A Thorough Look at Early Michael Bolton

As a singer who shifted from blues, to AOR, to hard rock, to A/C, it is fascinating to see how it all got started for Michael Bolton. This CD is a hybrid of his first two albums from 1975 and 1976. Unfortunately, the only track that is missing, If I Had Your Love (from "Every Day of My Life"), should be here if only just to hear his developing voice. What Michael sings here, under his real name Michael Bolotin, is not what he sings now. However, it is a clear foreshadow as to where his talents and future successes lay.

Arguably, the two albums are quite different. Ballads on "Michael Bolotin" settle for acoustic guitars and saxophone, while ballads on "Every Day of My Life" rely on the ever-present piano and orchestra. Uptempo songs on "Michael Bolotin" are basically showcases for the singer's lungs with screaming female background vocals. The "Every Day of My Life" rockers employ distortion guitar and his voice is less in the forefront. However, both albums have their highlights, and their drawbacks.

One of the greatest medium ballads I've ever heard can be found on the self-titled album. "Everybody Needs a Reason" is tender, thoughtful and reflective, while managing to trundle along at a steady rhythm and the duelling guitar-saxophone is a unique and pleasing sound. While on some songs ("Your Love," "It's Just a Feelin'") Michael sounds as though he might burst a blood vessel, "Everybody Needs a Reason" is subdued and more in sync with the 1970's radio-ballad mold. Other "Michael Bolotin" highlights: another ballad, "Dream While You Can," a heavy cover of Linda Ronstadt's "You're No Good," and a couple of filler-type tracks that actually are worth more than that, "Give Me a Reason" and "Tell Me How You Feel." One cannot forget the Wayne Perkins acoustic guitar piece, "Lost in the City," captured perfectly by the young singer's vocals and a very moving piece. The drawbacks of the album? Some of the songs are only good because Michael sings them well. Their existence as songs often fall flat ("Take Me as I Am," "It's Just a Feelin'") and, done by anyone else, I think I would have a lot more negativity towards them.

"Every Day of My Life" blends well with its predecessor, but there is a noticeable difference in both the production and the material. RCA was trying to cash in and Michael hadn't done it for them yet. So they added more disco-type drumming. Popular song covers. A famed producer (Jack Richardson, who had produced the Guess Who). There were only four original Michael Bolotin compositions on this record. I think these attempts hindered the quality of the album, although there are still some very high points. The first one is Michael's cover of "Rocky Mountain Way." Simply put, I like it better than Joe Walsh's original! The horns are a beautiful touch and Michael's vocals (which are still trying to find the right pitches here and there) are used to great effect. Another highlight is "These Eyes," the Guess Who cover, again which is glorified by the vocal performance and the strings are a nice touch. Unfortunately, a beautiful ballad called "You Mean More to Me" is somewhat dampened by Michael's drone - some parts sound good and others just ghastly. I am in awe of his lung power and the uniqueness to his voice, but the song becomes a chore to listen to more than once or twice because of the sheer power of his mid-range. Some misses: while the title track is promising, it's too much an attempt to score a hit with the disco rhythm section and Michael just sounds tired - like he didn't even want to do the song. That's gotta make you wonder...oh and "Dancing in the Street" is okay but no doubt another RCA cash-in.

For the general Michael Bolton fan, I'd suggest giving this a listen. You'll find some great songs and it will give you a very interesting perspective on the singer's long and illustrious career. It may not be what you're used to hearing from him, but this is where it all started.