Andrea Bocelli has endeared himself to those with a penchant for elegant pop classical, but “Because We Believe” seems ambitious for radio airplay, particularly given its bilingual English/Italian delivery. Fans of new album “Amore” — which popped onto the Billboard 200 at No. 3 in Feburary — are sure to find the melodramatic cut inspiring, […]
Wills is a recent addition to the Equity roster, and he weighs in with a solid single that should perk up programmers’ ears. Though the title might suggest another tribute to Hank Williams Sr., in reality it’s about tolerance and freedom of expression. Wills has always had an appealing vocal quality that he put to […]
After a dozen years and three albums, Christian-rooted MercyMe has touched the airplay charts enough times to arrive at a crossroads: Does it maintain a somewhat random path with the occasional poignant hit ballad or record a focused, commercial project with songs that wallop radio instead of slowly seeping across the airwaves? Resulting “Coming Up […]
Goo Goo Dolls have the Midas touch on adult top 40 radio. The format has buddied up to the long-lived act for more than a decade now, and except for the occasional too-much-like-the-last-song release, John Rzeznik and his mates consistently have delivered. “Stay With You,” from the upcoming “Let Love In,” is quintessential Goos and […]
There’s a distinguishable line between schmaltz and melodrama. Push about five notches past the latter and you’ve got Barry Manilow’s “Love Is a Many Splendored Thing,” as close to pure camp as you’re going to find without a wig and press-on fingernails. The classic 1955 movie theme, which hit No. 1 by the Four Aces, […]
The Red Hot Chili Peppers return with a killer lead from upcoming double disc “Stadium Arcadium,” their first studio release in four years. In typical Chili fashion, the verse finds frontman Anthony Kiedis rhyming “black bandana” with “sweet Louisiana” over stripped-down guitar funk, while bassist extraordinaire Flea and drummer Chad Smith work up an outrageous […]
The No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 success of James Blunt’s “You’re Beautiful” restored much faith to those who feared that straight-ahead pop melodies were a wistful memory on top 40 radio. Follow-up “High” is getting its trial run at triple-A radio. The ballad is similar in tempo and vocal intonation to his striking debut, though […]
