CD review: The Best of Billy Vera
From Friday’s Weekend Look section of The Oklahoman.
Pop
Billy Vera & The Beaters “Hopeless Romantic: The Best of Billy Vera & The Beaters” (Shout! Factory)
Singer-songwriter Billy Vera is best known for “At This Moment,” which became a hit after it was featured on the 1980s sitcom “Family Ties.” More than two decades later, the original live version of the melancholy love song is featured on the compilation “Hopeless Romantic.”
“At This Moment” holds up better than many ’80s chart-toppers, showcasing Vera’s blue-eyed soul crooning and The Beaters’ strong skills with keyboards and horns. Plus, you have to give credit to any band that pairs a full horn section with a steel guitar.
But many of the album’s 14 tracks seem best suited for a fleeting spot on an episode of “Alf” or maybe an ’80s-theme reality TV show.
The compilation includes songs from the live album “Billy & The Beaters,” the album “Billy Vera” and three previously unreleased tracks. Unearthing these tracks does Vera no favors, as they are a trifecta of saccharine silliness with snazzy R&B trappings.
The album has its redeeming points, particularly the strength and energy of the live performances. The opening track, “Corner of the Night,” is pleasingly funky, while “I Can Take Care of Myself” is a bluesy-fun yarn about a man getting involved with a gold digger. “Millie, Make Some Chili” is an amusing countrified tribute to a chili-dog maker.
-BAM
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