Search - Adam Schmitt :: World So Bright

Fantastic power pop that slipped through the cracks

Perry M. Koons | Crownsville, MD United States | 05/22/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Adam Schmitt, upon the release of his debut album World So Bright, was considered an absolute pop "wunderkind" in the tradition of Emitt Rhodes and Todd Rundgren - composing, performing, and producing nearly all of his material on his first album. Released on a major label in 1991, World So Bright was an absolute stunner in a year chock full of fantastic discs - in my opinion, it beats out albums like Nirvana's Nevermind and My Bloody Valentine's Loveless for pure songcraft and sheer enjoyment. While not as revolutionary as those two albums, Adam Schmitt's debut was so good, so packed with great melodies, catchy guitar solos, and thoughtful lyrics, that it is absolutely heartbreaking that it didn't become a huge hit. "Can't Get You On My Mind" was the single, a fantastic piece of Cheap Trick/Rick Springfield anthemic pop with a bit of Tommy Keene thrown in for good measure, but it could have been pretty much any song on this CD - there is only one dud on the whole album (the title track), which still packs a decent chorus. File this record along Tommy Keene's Songs From The Film and Shoes' Present Tense as fantastic pop records on major labels that should have been huge - but as it is, it remains a great slice of charming and brilliant obscure pop.Best Tracks:
"Dead End" - The opening track sets the stage perfectly and showcases a great Adam vocal over a jangly verse/power chord chorus combination.
"Can't Get You On My Mind" - Should be right up there with "Surrender", "Jessie's Girl", and "No Matter What" as power pop classics.
"Lost" - Shows how well Adam can change styles - and this absolutely gorgeous song shows he's not out for pathetic indie cred like a lot of those snarky power-popsters, he's just out to create great music.
"My Killer" - Great rocking riff and a perfect chorus - I always envision this song being played live to thousands of screaming fans.
"Elizabeth Einstein" - Perfect lyrics highlight this tale of a girl who has no time for love because it "clutters up her mind". Beautiful acoustic playing keeps the whole thing afloat.
"Scarlet Street" - I know I've named half the album here but this tune had to be thrown in for its great chorus. This CD is so consistent every song is a winner but I always have to hit repeat on this tune."