Desmond Child Albums (3)
What The Critics Say
Although Desmond Child is a superstar, it isn't because of his singing. Child is much better known for his producing and songwriting -- not singing -- and work with major artists like Cher, Bon Jovi, Joan Jett, Chicago, Roxette, and Aerosmith is what made him a huge name in the music world. Nonetheless, Child is a talented, expressive singer. He proved that in the late '70s and early '80s, when he led a great but underexposed group called Desmond Child & Rouge. And he demonstrated that again when, in 1991, he provided his first solo album, Discipline. This Elektra release, which Child produced with Sir Arthur Payson, falls short of exceptional and isn't as risk-taking as Desmond Child & Rouge's work, but it's still decent and enjoyable. Most of the material is stereotypical '80s-sounding commercial rock -- big guitars, big drums, big vocals, big hooks, and a very slick and glossy production style. Discipline is the sort of album that many rock critics love to hate, but then, Child didn't get rich by listening to critics. Although this CD came out 11 years after Rouge's breakup, Child obviously hadn't forgotten about his old group. "Obsession," which Child co-wrote with Burt Bacharach, is a duet with former Rouge member Maria Vidal. And "Do Me Right" is a memorable power ballad that Child wrote for a little-known solo album that Vidal recorded for A&M in 1987. Regrettably, Discipline didn't do much better than Vidal's solo album, and Child didn't record any more solo projects in the '90s. But Discipline, which went out of print after a few years, is worth acquiring if you can hunt down a copy. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
As excellent as Desmond Child & Rouge's self-titled debut album was, it proved difficult to market. The 1978 LP was too rock for R&B stations, but it proved too soul-influenced and too inner city-minded for rock stations. So when the quartet recorded its second album, Runners in the Night, in 1979, it kept the same producer (Richard Landis) but tried something different. Toning down the R&B influences and the urban-jungle references, Desmond Child & Rouge make this sophomore effort a more conventional pop/rock and arena rock outing. Although not as adventurous as the songs on Desmond Child & Rouge's first album, tracks like "The Truth Comes Out," "Tumble in the Night," and "My Heart's on Fire" are enjoyable and pleasing -- and the group was still very recognizable. But even though Capitol probably thought that Runners in the Night was more radio-friendly than its predecessor, it was ignored by radio and didn't sell. Unfortunately, both of Desmond Child & Rouge's Capitol albums have long been out of print and are unlikely to ever be reissued on CD. So if you come across either one, grab it immediately. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
What The Critics Say
If the goal of this self-titled debut album by Desmond Child & Rouge was to give the listener a bittersweet tour of New York's mean streets, they did a marvelous job. This album paints a vivid picture of urban life, and the group brilliantly captures the highs and lows of life in the big city. Both musically and lyrically, this album is a gem. The group's soul-influenced style of pop/rock is quite distinctive, and the characters in Child's songs are so New York inspired that some reviewers compared him to Billy Joel. But Child tends to have more of an inner-city influence -- on treasures like "Westside Pow Wow" and "City in Heat" he speaks of gang members and graffiti artists and describes inner-city life with the type of insights you would expect from a hip-hopper. "Otti" is a poignant ode to a 19-year-old street kid who is a master of skateboarding but unsuccessful in romance, while "The Fight" (which Child co-wrote with David Landau and Kiss' Paul Stanley) takes a look at the gritty world of boxing. And through it all, Child's affection for New York comes through -- even though he isn't blind to the city's faults. Had justice prevailed, this LP would have been a major hit. But it seemed like Desmond Child & Rouge was simply too creative, too visionary for its own good. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide
