In today's world this is a radical album.
hyperdachshund | Midwest | 03/26/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"It looks like all the bands out there claiming to be...well,"EVIL" is starting to look like a joke.How many more bands with nose rings,"demonic"tattoos,shaved heads, and a snarling attitude can we take. Whenever I see them on MTV I just want to laugh,not run in fear.Michael Carpenter's "Baby" throws current rock convention out the window.The opening song "Thinking about you" is a sun drenched gem that will conjure up images of the beach,barbecues,and anything else pertaining to Spring and Summer.What follows is pure pop exuberance with high energy tunes like "She dreams," "Changes," "All I want," and a song containing a wah,wah porno like guitar riff, the intense "The real thing":songs proving that he can rock with a blazing ferocity. "Beautiful,Wonderful," and "Mystic people," which sounds a little like the Moody Blues,reveal Carpenter's softer side.Both ballads are done with grace and elegance;because of his fine musicianship and knack for writing a decent melody,grace,and elegance are attributes that could best define Carpenter's work as a solo performer and producer(check out his work with the Finkers and the Pyramidiacs,great stuff). "Baby" ends with the radiant "Missing you now," a song dedicated to his parents,something one cannot imagine in rock, yet Carpenter pulls it off without getting too corny, or sentimental.Hopefully this album will introduce a younger,perhaps more jaded audience, to the skill and craftsmenship one must possess in order to write good pop music.Michael Carpenter's "Baby" may just do that."
Humanity Can Rock
clamato8 | New York, NY USA | 09/25/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Just want to echo the sentiments of fellow reviewer, hyperdachsund. "Baby" is a sterling example of power pop, but what distinguishes it most is the warmth and decency of the singer. I'm sick of poseurs and ironists. How much more pleasurable to hear passionately performed gems from a bloke you'd love to sit down and have a beer with! This is a great album by a talent with a promising future."
Outstanding Pop Debut
clamato8 | 01/05/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the opening chords of "Thinking About You" to the soaring harmonies in "Missing You Now" and all stops in between, this album is a classy first offering from Mr Carpenter (and he played all the instruments himself! ). Looking forward to hearing more from him."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1
