- News & Reviews FeedPeabo Bryson - Missing You (2007)
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Arguably rivaled only by Luther Vandross as the greatest pure soul singer of his generation, Peabo Bryson has fashioned a career out of making just about any song sound at least tolerable, and making truly meritorious compositions sound fantastic. That deep, soulfully operatic voice has carried him through some marvelous albums in the late 70s and early 80s, through a relatively lean decade of lesser material thereafter, into a period as the guest singer du jour on compilations, movie soundtracks and duets, and most recently as the leading purveyor of old school soul on infomercials. And while he's certainly had wonderful moments over the past two decades (there weren't many greater ballads in the 90s than his "Can You Stop the Rain"), he hasn't really issued an essential release since 1981's I Am Love.
Despite the uneven quality of his 80s and 90s output, a new Peabo album always brings surprisingly strong anticipation. Pop and Soul music fans know what that voice is capable of, and so there is always the hope that it will be matched with equally memorable songs and production. But too often -- especially since topping the charts with back-to-back Disney movie themes in the 90s -- Peabo has settled for relatively bland projects, filled with mediocre pop ballads and absent the mildly funky, sexy edge of his 70s work. His singing made even the worst of these projects listenable, but few were worthy of what he brought vocally.
So I had only tempered anticipation for his first studio album of the 21st Century, the new Missing You on Peak Records. Part of my hesitation was Peabo's unexciting 90s output and part was his pairing on the disc with Barry Eastmond, an immensely talented pianist and producer who shares the same occasional weakness as Bryson for bland MOR material and arrangements. And the forgettably generic first cut, "Heavenly," didn't make me feel any better. If that was the opener, what could be left? Fortunately, better stuff. Former All-4-One lead Jamie Jones and his Heavyweights crew immediately outshine the opening cut, infusing a much needed contemporary feel on the fine ballad, "Count On Me," and Bryson himself takes the production lead on the pretty wedding ballad "I Promise I Do." But best of all are two notable outside contributions: the gorgeous Norman Connors production, "Don't Make Me Cry" (originally part of the 2005 Cafe Soul All-Stars compilation), and the Ledisi/Sundra-composed title track (with Eastmond shining on the keys). The latter part of Missing You slips a bit -- especially on a disappointing cover of Angela Bofill's "I Try" (a rare case of oversinging by the usually nuanced Bryson) -- but recovers somewhat for the closing ballad, "My Last Goodbye."
Now into his mid-50s, Peabo Bryson still possesses an incredible vocal gift. And while Missing You isn't the critical breakthrough album his fans have been waiting for for years, it does have enough spots of Peabo-magic to make it a worthy return for a singer with few vocal peers.
By Chris Rizik
Comments
Peabo Bryson/Missing You review
sharonmarie - October 11th, 2007
I have to disagree with you Mr. Rizik. Especially your comment that "Missing You isn't the critical breakthrough album his fans have been waiting for." I wont go so far as to say you MUST not be a fan, but THIS FAN loves Missing You! Maybe you should have stated it wasnt what YOU were waiting for. I appreciate all of Mr. Bryson's musical offerings and eagerly anticipate all of his releases. After being in the business all these years, he has nothing left to prove to anyone, and yes.......he's still at the top of his game vocally. There is no other male vocalist recording today who rivals Mr. Bryson.
I also disagree with your assessment of I Try. Oversinging? Come on, In my opinion his vocals are outstanding on that cut, especially considering he recorded it in the original key. No, this track is not disappointing. As a matter of fact, it evokes nuances of his earlier recordings. It certainly made me throw my hand up in the air and say "sing it Peabo!" I think "Missing You" is a wonderful musical offering from a SPECTACULAR vocalist. Are you still 'Feeling The Fire'?
The Missing You CD is a
aprilrose2020 - October 16th, 2007
The Missing You CD is a wonderful gem.The singing by Mr Bryson is heavenly,magnificent,and sincere.Furthermore,his voice is really a gift from God. That is used on this cd to make people feel love,joy,and hope.Thats why this Cd Missing you is great.Because it explores real human emotions that inspire and uplifts the soul. Also,Peabo is an amazing and soulful singer.Keep on making wonderful, incredible,and enchanting music peabo.Youre the greatest.
Missing you CD is a
greg684 - October 31st, 2007
i'll be honest with you, i'm not much of a Peabo Bryson fan but a couple of weeks ago, i was listening to Art Good's Jazz Track and they were were playing a lot of Peabo's new CD on the show (Peabo is part of the Norman Brown Summer Storm show at Catalina Island Jazz Festival) and i have to admit it but i love the album.
Peabo Bryson "Missing You"
masmabdu - November 7th, 2007
To sharonmarie; I agree with you wholeheartedly.
Peabo has the best voice in the music industry. His talent is extraordinary as a musician, mentor and collaborator. I am usually baffled by the heavy critisism of his work. Speaking from one who listens to music from bluegrass to broadway, from gospel to classical, from blues to jazz, and r&b, funk, hip hop and rap; (whew!I love music!). This artist has spanned the musical spectrum and charts. He is able to translate the mediocre material (though it stands to reason, is only by opinion) into something beautiful & memoriable. Hearing "Feel the Fire" for the first time turned my head. I have only wanted more since. "Missing You", I just want to say, is his best work. I have played it constantly since I bought my 2 copies. It is like one beautiful love song that never ends.
peabo missing you cd
bmcclenathan - November 9th, 2007
chris rizik and others: you failed to mention this is peabo's first cd of new material since UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. and everyone failed to mention that, like MISSING YOU, UNCONDITIONAL LOVE was and is an exceptional collection of quality written, produced, and sung songs...
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