ALBUM REVIEW: Champlin Williams Friestedt – II

This is a simply luscious album if you love smooth velvety AOR that occasionally dips a toe into the soothing warm West Coast waters to deliver a gentle mellow vibe. The project’s sophomore release again sees TOTO singer Joseph Williams team up with former Chicago vocalist Bill Champlin and Swedish guitarist/Producer Peter Friestedt for another stunning result. There’s even a cameo by Michael McDonald on the single ‘Love In The World.’

‘Runaway’ that opens might even be the feistiest slice of AOR here, it’s certainly got bite along with a silky smooth AOR finish. ’10 Miles’ that follows is a beautifully constructed song with lilting guitar soothing keys and a real feel of the classic TOTO AOR sound. And on cue Michael McDonald adds his soulful vocal to ‘Love in the World’ – a golden low key duet full of soul and jazzy guitar and a chilled lounge groove.

After plenty of variety ‘Amanda’s Disguise’ is yet another change of perspective: it has a bit of fire, a little left field jazz in the verses but the intertwined melodies of the chorus and the keys really make it.

There’s a touch of Chicago about ‘Between the Lines’ and the Dianne Warren penned ‘Look Away’ is as smooth and soothing as can be. And the rest is just as luxurious and ridiculously well constructed with ‘All That I Want’ showing progressive traits; and ‘Restless Love’ adding some luscious melodies.

The only song I’m not that partial to is the version of ‘Price Of Love’ that appears here, sure it’s Rockier than most here but being a big fan of the original version I heard way back in the early 90’s recorded by Baton Rouge this version in comparison falls away a little, though interestingly it features a lead vocal by Tamara Champlin who actually co-wrote the song.

That just leaves us with the closer ‘Sometimes You Win’ which is one of my favourite here – a beautiful almost jazzy swing infects the West Coast drive, and leaves you with the prefect ending to an album meant for those quiet moments. Not one for the rockers for sure but like their debut another great slice of laid back velvety AOR.