The White Album
Donnie Vie
•
November 27, 2014
Pop and Rock. Two genres, that when combined, can often create something cool with peppy upbeat melodies while incorporating some familiar Rock elements, such as heavy guitars and heavy drums. There are some bands that use this formula well and there are some countries that pride themselves on this, such as Japan for example, with their anime music. The artist I am focusing on in this review who utilizes both Pop and Rock in their music is DONNIE VIE, who will soon be releasing his new solo album entitled "The White Album".
So who is this guy you're probably wondering? Donnie Vie is best known for his work with the band ENUFF Z'NUFF having been their singer for an astounding 25 years and started releasing solo albums in 2003 with his first album "Just Enough" and since that album was released, Donnie has released a further 4 studio albums (including his newest album) and one EP.
The latest solo album, entitled "The White Album", is the focus of this review, so without further ado, let's get started. Straight away, when you hear the album title and see the artwork, you are reminded of an album by THE BEATLES, which was also called "The White Album", with a blank front cover.
The new DONNIE VIE album clocks in at roughly 88 minutes playtime across 19 tracks and 2 CD's featuring music that utilizes both Pop and Rock, which as mentioned earlier, can often be a good recipe, so is it the same here for this artist? Time to find out, but before we do, I will say now, that I am extremely picky and fussy about the music I listen to so if there's anything you read below that you do not agree with, then that is fair enough and I will respect your opinions.
Firstly, I find that at times, it leans more towards the Pop side rather then the Rock side, which it does lean towards on some songs but for the most part, it's mainly leaning towards the Pop genre, which I must admit I am not too keen on personally.
Secondly, I find that the pace can often be a bit too slow when you first listen to it, as the music and the vocal performance can often be a bit too slow, and at times, it feels like it does drag on a bit. Thirdly, I just wish there was a bit more oomph in the vocal performance as Donnie does have a very soulful and promising voice but there are some songs where I wish he would have given his voice a bit of extra oomph, when singing.
Is there anything redeeming about this record? Well actually yes there is, despite the things I've nit-picked about. There are some songs which do have some catchy and soulful melodies and there are some tunes where Donnie Vie's vocals stand out more then with other songs, which is good, as I do sort of like this album despite the issues I've addressed.
Verdict time now. For the most part, this is an album that does not really appeal to someone as fussy and picky as I am, but if you do like an album that utilizes the genres of Pop and Rock, infused with a bit of Classic Rock in there with some soulful vocals and some catchy and soulful music, then you will like it, as this is good in places despite any complaints I may have made when reviewing this album.
7 / 10
Good
"The White Album" Track-listing:
Disc 1
1. I Wanna Do It To You
2. Handy Dandy
3. For Your Pleasure
4. Happy Days
5. Crash and Burn
6. Light Shine On
7. Better Love Next Time
8. My Love
9. When Will You Love Me Again
10. Haunted
11. Unforsaken
Disc 2
1. 25 or 6 to 4 (Chicago cover)
2. You're My Favorite Thing To Do
3. Almost Home
4. Imagine (Live) (John Lennon cover)
5. Angel Eyes (Outtake)
6. Without You (Outtake)
7. Big Brother
8. Freaky Deaky
Donnie Vie Lineup:
Donnie Vie - Vocals, All Instruments
Lewis John - Additional Guitars
Gary Evans - Drums on "Big Brother"
Vic Alfaro - Drums on "Haunted" and "Almost Home"
Baz Francis - Backing Vocals on "Unforsaken" and "For Your Pleasure"
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