Search - Robbie Nevil :: A Place Like This

Isn't it time we had a vacation?

Pamela J. Thalner | Cincinnati, Ohio | 04/13/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Robbie Nevil is casually dismissed, these days, as a one-hit wonder for the classic "C'est La Vie" from his first record (though "Wot's It To Ya" is also a classic of the 80's). While he continued to make great records, none of them lived up to the success of the first; that's a shame, because A Place Like This is a sweet and sublime trip.



Nevil's work is strong, with poppy hooks and bluesy rhythms. The songs tend to be more mellow than one would expect of a long-haired guy wearing leather, but while Nevil is an accomplished guitarist, his songs tend to smoother, more laid-back grooves. "Back on Holiday" stands out for both its strong melodies and funky vibe. While the themes of the album tend towards romance ("Mary Lou" is about a shy librarian who shows up at a party in unexpected style; "Love and Money" suggests that the subject of the song get their priorities straight), that shouldn't deter the listener. It's been a long time since I listened to this record, but I can still pick out my favorite songs: "Somebody Like You", "Back on Holiday", "Getting Better", "Holding On", "Too Soon"... really, just about the whole thing. The record is definitely worth checking out."