Robbie "Doobie"
Craig W. Higgins | Williston Park, New York United States | 12/08/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Despite some extreme similarities to the above mentioned Doobies, and especially Michael McDonald, this CD is a very pleasant listen. It is cut from the same sonic/songwriting cloth and reminds one of a time when smart, adult-oriented pop was the order of the day. 1980 was a time of the fledgling New Wave era, but with releases like this, proves there was still a warm streak to the pop charts. This album is full of bouncy hooks and soulful vocals, with a singer-songwriter piano/bass/drums foundation. If you like "What a Fool Believes", by the Doobies, this is right up that musical alley. Dupree more than aptly emulates and exploits all that is good about jazzy pop. The drumming is particularly good. Another hit from this era, "If You Should Sail", by Nielsen/Pearson is recalled on Dupree's harmonica during one song. "Hot Rod Hearts has a winning chorus, full of layered vocal harmonies. The best way to recommend this album is to cite similar artists with whom Robbie relates: Doobies, Steely Dan, Ambrosia, Stephen Bishop, Andrew Gold, Paul Simon, Rupert Holmes and Birtie Higgins, to name a few.
Wounded Bird is a great label. They may not offer bonus tracks or expanded artwork and notes, but they provide solid sonics (if not remastered), and seem to fill a much-needed void for these semi-forgotten gems. Enjoy!"
Another Wounded Bird
Roderick Keech | Australia | 12/27/2006
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Despite the product review, this is NOT the first worldwide CD issue of this album. It was issued in the 90s by Elektra on 7559-60969-2, a copy of which I have in front of me now. I agree with the other reviewer: Wounded Bird don't remaster and don't offer bonus tracks, which is a pity as the end result is lacklustre empty sound of what was a good album (ref Nicolette Larson - "In the nick of time" as another example of really poor transfers)."
Great Pop Of 1980
musicfanatic | 10/13/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This disc is Robbie Dupree's very best, he seemed to fade into the woodwork, after this album, but did a very good job on this album. "Steal Away" is definitely most sought out song on this disc (and "Hot Rod Hearts"), but the others have their own appeal, too, just really good pop/soft rock. If you like the late 70's-early 80's sound you will love this."