RICHARD MARX: Songwriter (A.O.R.,Pop): review / opinion to read on Music Waves

Author, composer, performer, producer... Richard Marx does so many things that it is difficult to know how to introduce him to someone who doesn't know him yet. It is also complicated to go into the cooperations of an artist who has been able to work with Tommy Lee (Mötley Crüe) as well as compose for Barbra Streisand, to collaborate with Keith Urban as well as with Céline Dion or Burt Bucharach. As for classifying him in a particular musical style, it's again not easy because, even if he was nicknamed the prince of AOR, the man has already proved his talent in a multitude of genres such as country, pop or rock. It's in the spirit of gathering all these facets in a single album that Richard Marx decided to offer this "Songwriter" which has the particularity of offering twenty tracks divided into four distinct parts, each representing a particular musical style, the whole being written in the company of a multitude of co-authors.

Pop, rock, country and ballads: it is in this order that the artist presents his new compositions. It is therefore important to warn those who are allergic to pop with an electro tendency that they should not be put off by the first five tracks of this new opus. For the others, those who already appreciated what was proposed on "Limitless", there's enough here to be satisfied with delicately cut and deliciously catchy pieces, such as 'Moscow Calling' with its discrete Simple Minds' effluvia. On the other hand, the transition to the angry, almost hard rock 'Shame On You', which launches the series of rock tracks, may be brutal for those who are not prepared for it. We find here some nervous and always catchy tracks, composed with the likes of Matt Scanell (Vertical Horizon), Chris Daughtry (Daughtry) or Jason Wade (Lifehouse). However, it's when he's alone ('Just Go') or when he writes with his son Jesse ('We Are Not Alone') that he's most effective.

The mood changes again with 'Everything I Got', which introduces the country series with an energetic, driving groove. Don't look for the shadow of a Johnny Cash here, but rather that of the holders of contemporary country music such as the fabulous Rascal Flatts. As for the previous tracks, the master of the place succeeds once again in finding the catchy hook that allows you to enter each of his compositions with delight. The most melancholic 'Misery Loves Company' and the most rocking 'We Had It All' with its U2-like guitars are particularly noteworthy. Finally comes the series of ballads. Richard Marx has already proven himself in this respect, as he has been so successful with sweet songs in the past. Here we have the worthy heir of 'Right Here Waiting' or 'Now And Forever' with the pretty 'Still In My Heart' and its discreet but indispensable orchestral arrangements. Nevertheless, the summit will remain the intimate and jazzy 'Always' written with Burt Bacharach and which is at the same time delicate, moving and bewitching.

"Songwriter' is a further demonstration of the multifaceted and boundless talent of Richard Marx, who, more than ever, refuses to be locked into a single style. Whatever genre he embarks on, he always does it successfully and with an easily identifiable style. This opus nevertheless suffers from the limits posed by its original but somewhat cumbersome structure, as well as by its length flirting with 70 minutes. Moreover, closing the set with the quietest part leads to a slight loss of attention despite the undeniable quality of the tracks offered. The fact remains that fans will once again find something to their liking here with a new work that won't disappoint them. - Official website

RICHARD MARX

SONGWRITER

BMG

A.O.R.