Absolutely Positively

Originally released in 1993 on the Dayspring label, it has now been digitally re-released by Word Records. Digging back to 1985 "The Party's Over" is typical Kenny - strong song, loads of detail, plenty of feeling and a catchy chorus. Craftsman at work here - do not disturb. So, what else? Well, there's the beautifully tear jerking story of "Next Time You See Johnny", about a son's love for his lost father and his prayer for him - a classic. Kenny's voice is made in the Springsteen/Bolton pathos style and that's what you get time and again. "Simple Minded Love" tells of the one that got away -the only one left, of all the friends, not to have got married - a familiar story for many. But it's not just sentimental hogwash designed to take pity - just get a load of the chorus. Then there's the anthemnic feel of "Friends" - you can picture the video you would make for this in your own mind. Kenny's abilities are to put over simple feelings in an easy, relaxed manner, working their way into your brain as another tear wells. "White Dress" tells the story of the growth of a little girl into full-grown woman, combining the loss of her father who leaves her mother when she's a girl and then the sentimental touch - he comes back. Tears and guts, that's Kenny. You can call it typical American pap, I call it beautiful music.