Donnie Vie is pursuing a solo career. Donnie was singer, songwriter and guitarist in critical acclaimed Enuff Z'Nuff. Donnie has probably written 9 out of my 10 all time favorite songs along with partner Chip Z'Nuff.
This is the European version of Donnie Vie's first solo album. Steen has already reviewed the
digital version, which was available at "
Vie club" for download prior to this release.
According to the booklet these songs were written in a time period from 1998 to 2000 along with Andrew Rollins, who also plays guitar and gets the production credits. Lyrics are included, which understates what a great lyric writer Donnie is. Opposite Donnie's lyrics in Enuff Z'Nuff at the time (Paraphernalia), these lyrics are more positive and often love songs. However, we also get very personal lyrics gaining an insight to Donnie's situation on
Spider Web and his shattered heart on the moving
That's What Love is.
All 12 songs featured on "Just Enough" are strong tracks. The songs are softer and more mellow than Enuff Z'Nuff. The electric guitar is toned down in favor of the acoustic and a more sing-songwriter approach. Things do come full circle on
Better Days, where Donnie uses a melody-line leading to the chorus from an old Enuff Z'Nuff demo titled
I Can't Get Over You. Furthermore Chip Z'Nuff plays bass on
Jesus in Drag and it sounds like he also did backing vocals on that song. The great story of
Jesus in Drag changes pace and is slowly becoming one of my favorites on the album.
Of course this album has a few Beatles inspired tunes like
I'll Go On and
Blowin' Kisses in the Wind. The last-mentioned has a similar drive like
Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da. There is also a touch of Beatles on
Night Of Day. The song sounds like soundtrack from a
Chicago gangster movie, which takes place in the 1930's. Every time I hear the song I get an inner movie rolling, where I am sitting in a sleazy bar during the prohibition period and Donnie is onstage performing
Night of Day.
The absolute standout track is the beautiful love song
Forever. Donnie has that special tone in his vocals that touch the listener immediately.
Better Days is also a melodic treasure. Donnie writes lyrics that you can relate to and
Better Days certainly is relevant to my own situation, but what makes this song fantastic is the melody.
The only negative thing about "Just Enough" is the production. These songs bear the impress of sounding like demo versions. The sound is often metallic, which is reinforced by the use of drum machine. Drum machine always provides the sound with something impersonal, which characterizes this album also. However, the material is so strong that it cannot ruin the overall impression of "Just Enough". Acoustic drums and better production would certainly have improved the listening pleasure.
Enuff Z'Nuff's material has proved to be timeless and I am confident that "Just Enough" is an album that I would play in 10-20 years from now. There is always a snake in paradise and the snake's name is production. I would probably still be a little annoyed with the non-acoustic drums in 10 years from now.
Different artists from Mick Jagger to
Bret Michaels all have solo careers parallel with their bands. I just hope Donnie is capable of doing that also.
Support one of the greatest singer and songwriter of our time.
Written by
Michael Friday, October 10, 2003
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