Reviewed by Mike Rimmer

Former Kansas vocalist and songwriter/producer John Elefante is carving out quite a niche for himself by creating smooth, well-produced pop rock music which still demonstrates what a fine singer he is, but he ends up making albums that grow more like McCartney's work (check out "Exit 39", close your eyes and think of Paul!). This is slick sounding but somehow so soulless. I am alarmed that in a couple of place, there are elements of country music creeping in! Music for 45 year olds! Earnest songwriting is placed within a radio friendly setting designed to maximise the marketing opportunities, and I can imagine hundreds of American radio station managers salivating at the sound of this. But to British ears this makes no sense and for all its intricate arrangements, its beautifully recorded sonic perfection (all in John's own studio) it still washes over me and leaves me unmoved. Designed to reach the widest demographic and consequently sanitised and soulless this album demonstrates Elefante can write good songs. He is also one of the best singers in Nashville. But the sum total of that talent summed up on "Defying Gravity" makes me wonder whether there is something seriously wrong in the Nashville scene where this is just another album which is a victory of style over substance.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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