If you're going to have a moustache, do it like this (Truly The Love Songs - Lionel Richie)

Member Name: benlepensive

Product:	Truly The Love Songs - Lionel Richie
Date:	20/02/09 (25 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: loads of hits

Disadvantages: can depress you

What could make for a more perfect weekend, than lying in bed with Lionel Richie. Not literally of course, but with his soulful voice seeping through the walls and penetrating my every vein. This album gathers some of his finest love songs, so obviously you're going to get the slower ones and no 'Dancing On The Ceiling.'

Who is he:

Former lead singer of The Commodores and a solo star in his own right. Lionel was probably at his commercial peak in the eighties.

On this album:

Off to a good start with the uplifting 'My Destiny' which is a setimental piece of pop directed at one lady. It is very personally done and he seems to feel the words. My criticism here is that the lyrics are overly sickly and tend to overpower the actual melody. Far better is the duet with Diana Ross. 'Endless Love' allows for both vocalists to play gently off each other, without breaching the boundaries of sickliness. Diana's vocals come off restrained and longing and Lionel sounds tender and trustworthy.

Other Highlights:

'Hello' brings back visions of Lionel and that clay head in the music video, yet it remains a resonant and stirring song of epic proportions. The little dramatic pause before he utters 'Hello' never fails to get me. Head to the lovely 'Penny Lover' where he seems to be whispering the vocals, daring not to alert anyone of his presence. Like a thief in the night, he prowls his way through the song, delivering the lyrics like a true gentleman.

Another of my tips is the not widely discussed 'Ballerina Girl,' which is just charming. Lionel's vocals are poised and teeter on breaking into something more spectacular but this never comes, allowing for a restrained and emotive little number.

Overall:

Nineteen amazing tracks gives you value for money, the cover artwork is minimal and arty, though Lionel could have been shirtless. A very fine collection of his slower moments.

Summary: superb