Bobby Caldwell Albums (12)
'Perfect Island Nights'
Release Date 2/1/2005
Tracks 12
Label Sindrome
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
The veteran blue-eyed soul singer has been busy since 1995 (the year he released his last literal pop album, Soul Survivor), recording albums of standards along with his Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin-styled soundtrack work and counting the royalties from the 100 or so covers or samples of his best-known hit, "What You Won't Do for Love" -- so preoccupied, in fact, that's it's been easy to forget just how skilled he is at delivering easygoing romantic pop, whether it's funky and percussive (as on the brassy, bouncy "Call Me Up"), perfect for Latin salsa dancing (the balmy "Donna"), or simply laid-back and moonlit (the title track). Caldwell is at the top of his charming game on this modern adult contemporary classic, not mining any truly original territory lyrically but wringing every last emotion out of his originals (the power ballads "Extra Mile" and "Crazy for Your Love" are standouts) and a handful of well-chosen covers. None of his classic pop choices come close to his renditions of "Beyond the Sea" or "Luck Be a Lady," but he finds all the passion necessary on a loping take of "Sukiyaki (Forever)" (he provides sweet new English lyrics), the bright samba arrangement of "Our Day Will Come," and the masterfully soulful "Where Is the Love," which finds him perfectly paired with Deniece Williams. The colorful back cover shows a contented Caldwell, arms crossed, in his trademark blue slouch hat, sound asleep. Maybe his long-awaited pop comeback exhausted him, but it will energize fans longing for his return to form. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
'Come Rain or Come Shine'
Release Date 8/24/1999
Tracks 13
Label Sindrome
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
For this, his 10th CD, Caldwell strikes poses of Frank Sinatra in phrasing, repertoire and arrangements. His flexible, enjoyable voice could not be mistaken as similar to anyone but Ol' Blue Eyes, and these twelve selections, plus a bonus pop tune from an earlier recording, echo The Chairman in swing and substance. The bands are made up of West Coast sessionmen, particularly good solos come from tenor saxophonist Ernie Watt, fellow tenor Pete Christlieb shows up, and the drumming from John Guerin, Tony Pia and Gregg Bissonette is particularly strong. The tunes alternate between big band sounds and string accompaniment. Caldwell sings well in both contexts, his more up numbers being the title track, Billy May's arrangement for "Day In, Day Out" with a "rain or shine" quote, the Nelson Riddle chart of "I've Got The World On A String," and the Bobby Darin fave "Beyond The Sea." Effective ballads with strings include the most like Frank with swelling orchestration during "Indian Summer," a more individualistic Caldwell for "Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out To Dry," the big band/strings combo with Watts tenor for "Old Devil Moon," and the pristine "Ill Wind." Caldwell wrote the ballad "April Moon," a tale of being jilted and talking to the skies for a solution, and there's the most rambling "I've Got You Under My Skin," Riddle's interpretation, with a tick tock, let's move on urgency. Caldwell seems to have hit his stride on the CD, perfect for the swing revivalist times, and a well conceived and thought out plan of attack to fill a void left by a departed master of this idiom. ~ Michael G. Nastos, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
It's a tribute to Bobby Caldwell's consummate songwriting skills that his three original compositions -- including the previously recorded, melancholy would-be classic "Stuck on You" -- fit in perfectly alongside standards by the likes of Cole Porter and Sammy Cahn/Jimmy Van Heusen on the very tradition-minded Blue Condition. Best known for easygoing R&B-flavored adult pop vocals, Caldwell reaches back and superimposes himself in front of lively big-band arrangements that recall classic Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Bobby Darin recordings. He never approaches those idols in terms of vocal distinction, but that doesn't seem to be his point. He's more reflecting upon his inspirations than trying to emulate them, rewarding longtime fans with the sort of artistry they suspected might exist all along. The uninitiated, however, might enjoy all the surrounding pleasantries and wonder why we need another guy out there doing classics when he clearly doesn't measure up to those standards vocally. ~ Jonathan Widran, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Pro forma urban contemporary material, with a trace of hip-hop influence and some fusion and light jazz elements. Bobby Caldwell is an excellent session musician whose albums have grown more faceless and generic over the years. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
An instrumental pop workout by Caldwell, who plays guitar, keyboards and synthesizers, bass, and drums, does the production and arrangements, handles all the vocals, and even assists with the mixing and arranging. There's minimal jazz content, but some songs have nice melodies and were designed for Urban Contemporary audiences. ~ Ron Wynn, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
Blue-eyed soul artist Bobby Caldwell's follow-up to his successful solo debut album which featured the often-covered hit "What You Won't Do for Love," Cat in the Hat showcases his sophisticated songwriting and soulful vocals. Though not as commercially successful as his debut, Cat In the Hat is no sophomore slump artistically. In fact, there's not a bad song in the bunch. ~ Tim Griggs, All Music Guide
