Search - Bobby Caldwell :: Stuck on You

Bobby at his heart wrenching, soul reaching absolute best!

01/12/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Having served mostly as a songwriter for the success of others, with an occasional single of his own getting a peak at contemporary radio play, "Stuck on You" was milked by many stations for air time. Many a "smooth jazz" station claimed Bobby as their own after the release and subsequent success of this CD, one that only the heart broken could pen. "Don't Lead Me On, Stuck on You," and "Cry" reach every emotional horizon one can reach in the pre, current, and post phases of a relationship. In "Janet" Bobby picks up the tempo a bit in singing the praises of his favorite girl of choice, and "Back To You" gives Bobby a gorgeous duet with Marilyn Scott to dress up the tail end of his album. Alto saxers Richard Elliott and Dave Koz, along with the Tower of Power band make noticeable contributions to this mood setting collection of what many now consider Caldwell classics. They say females are more taken to singers (or men?) who are more sensative and capable of pouring out their emotions. Given the make-up and response of the audience I saw at Bobby's show on the "Stuck On You" tour, in Joliet Il., I would have to say that there is some substance to that claim. More than one person I know became instant Bobby Caldwell fans after one listen of "Stuck On You". It's a very fulfilling album with enough depth to listen to it from beginning to end. Caldwell's emphasis is more on songwriting and singing - his obvious and well regarded strengths- than any extravagent keyboards, though anyone familiar with Bobby never really expects anything beyond that anyway. Bobby has made several good CDs since, but none of them were able to live up the the standard "Stuck on You" set. While some light music stations dug into this album, it's more in the contemporary jazz category."