Customer Reviews

Robbie Dupree

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Despite some extreme similarities to the above mentioned Doobies, and especially Michael McDonald, this CD is a very pleasant listen. It is cut from the same sonic/songwriting cloth and reminds one of a time when smart, adult-oriented pop was the order of the day. 1980 was a time of the fledgling New Wave era, but with releases like this, proves there was still a warm streak to the pop charts. This album is full of bouncy hooks and soulful vocals, with a singer-songwriter piano/bass/drums foundation. If you like "What a Fool Believes", by the Doobies, this is right up that musical alley. Dupree more than aptly emulates and exploits all that is good about jazzy pop. The drumming is particularly good. Another hit from this era, "If You Should Sail", by Nielsen/Pearson is recalled on Dupree's harmonica during one song. "Hot Rod Hearts has a winning chorus, full of layered vocal harmonies. The best way to recommend this album is to cite similar artists with whom Robbie relates: Doobies, Steely Dan, Ambrosia, Stephen Bishop, Andrew Gold, Paul Simon, Rupert Holmes and Birtie Higgins, to name a few.
Wounded Bird is a great label. They may not offer bonus tracks or expanded artwork and notes, but they provide solid sonics (if not remastered), and seem to fill a much-needed void for these semi-forgotten gems. Enjoy!

This disc is Robbie Dupree's very best, he seemed to fade into the woodwork, after this album, but did a very good job on this album. "Steal Away" is definitely most sought out song on this disc (and "Hot Rod Hearts"), but the others have their own appeal, too, just really good pop/soft rock. If you like the late 70's-early 80's sound you will love this.

Despite the product review, this is NOT the first worldwide CD issue of this album. It was issued in the 90s by Elektra on 7559-60969-2, a copy of which I have in front of me now. I agree with the other reviewer: Wounded Bird don't remaster and don't offer bonus tracks, which is a pity as the end result is lacklustre empty sound of what was a good album (ref Nicolette Larson - "In the nick of time" as another example of really poor transfers).

In the early 1980's music artists such as The Doobie Brothers, Jay Ferguson, Bertie Higgins, and Dan Fogelberg were releasing what I call easy-rock that had touches of other influences such as jazz, disco, folk, and/or blues. Robbie Dupree's debut falls into that category. This is a very wonderful album throughout that features the hits "Steal Away" and the unforgettable "Hot Rod Hearts". The Doobie Brothers influence is undeniable, but Dupree's music is very original and sounds fresh. It reminds me very much of Patrick Simmons' 1983 release "Arcade", as the easy-rock sound is the same. This was one of those long out of print albums that was rescued by Wounded Bird Records (thank you for once again making this album available to the public).

I remember listening to Robbie Dupree while in high school. When I heard it recently, I was surprised at how much I still enjoyed it. The CD was delivered in perfect shape, with no scratches. It also came early. I hope that we do business together again. Thanks, Julie