Trust by Kyle Vincent

His voice is a bit younger, scratchier, and ardent as he mostly sings in his higher register, but the laid back, effortless, behind-the-beat, almost blue-eyed soul phrasing which will be featured on subsequent albums, is setting in nicely. It’s also Vincent’s first foray into taking the producer/arranger reigns, and on those 4 tracks he shows he’s ready to compete with the big boys.

The entire production is top-notch, with Grammy winner Clif Magness (Wilson Phillips, Avril Lavigne), Steve Levine, (Culture Club, Beach Boys), and Vincent himself. The album features some of the most in demand, A-list studio musicians of the time, including Michael Jackson’s drummer, John “JR” Robinson; Madonna’s drummer, Jonathan Moffet; Kenny Loggins’ bassist, Freddie Washington, and the Brothers Johnson’s Louis Johnson; Rick Springfield’s guitarist, Tim Pierce, and guitarist Charles Fearing from Ray Parker's Raydio, among several others. Vincent also manages to corral multi-platinum songwriter Steve Kipner (“Physical”, “Genie In A Bottle”), to co-write one song. As bonus tracks, the album contains the 'rock radio' single version of "Never Say Die", featuring Gilby Clarke, who was in GnR at the time of the recording, and a superb ballad called, "One Ticket Home", which features Gerry Beckley from the band America on very distinctive background vocals.

The only "problem" with this album, and perhaps one reason it was never commercially released, is that it could not be put into just one category on the record store shelves. While sounding very 1992-Bryan Adams-ish on a few songs, and George Michael on other tracks, this probably presented too confusing a mix for the label's promotion department.

Highlights include a stunning tenor sax solo from jazz legend Gerald Albright on “Maybe It’s Better This Way”, a Vincent production that is nearly reminiscent of "Me & Mrs. Jones".

The insanely catchy, “A Night Like This”, which evokes memories of “Tonight” by the pop legends, the Raspberries.

Levine’s production on “Trust”, which is about as close to the Spinners as one can get without being Thom Bell, featuring some of the sexiest female backing vocals you'll ever hear.

"Change The World"- a young love lyric, with a wonderfully wistful mix of guitars, piano, strings, and vocals.

Vincent’s vocal riffing on the vamp of “What Am I Gonna Do” is spot on classic Daryl Hall.

And again, Vincent and Gerry Beckley playing off each other’s vocals, and then blending in on “One Ticket Home” is a pure pop pleasure. This song, from its wah-wah guitars, string arrangement, and light bell hits, to Vincent’s tinkling piano is breathtaking. ‘nuff said.

Must Downloads: ALL

File Under: Early-Mid-90’s Male Vocal Pop Rock/Blue-eyed/ Old School Soul, that should have ripped up the airwaves with about 4 hit singles.

If you’re not yet familiar with Kyle Vincent, put on your 1992 ears, download this album first, then start scooping up his other albums, listening in order of their release. You’re in for a real pop treat.

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