Michael McDonald
Blue Obsession (CD Advance)
Warner Bros. - 2 46508 AB (promotional issue only)

by Claus P. Rasmussen

I thought carefully before deciding to write about this CD, since it is not available as an official release. Michael McDonald’s long awaited "Blue Obsession" album was scheduled for release back in the Fall of 1997. Few CD advance copies were issued (special promotional copies to record stores, radio stations etc.), but then nothing happened – the official release was withdrawn. One can only speculate about the reasons why. Was Mr. Mcdonald not satisfied with his efforts after all, or was it the record company Warner Brothers, that suddenly got cold feet? Hmmm – almost 2 years have passed, and we are non the wiser. Rumour has it, that a revised version of "Blue Obsession" is to be released this year, but so far nothing has happened. This is FRUSTRATING for all us Michael McDonald fans. Let me give you my view on the original "Blue Obsession" album – if that is the right term to use. I was fortunate enough to get hold of a copy, which is no easy task.

Let me start with the conclusion: It is a mixed bag! "Blue Obsession" is unlike any of the other magnificent albums Michael Mcdonald has released over the years starting with the masterpiece "If That what It Takes" from 1982 and up to the wonderful "Blink Of An Eye" from 1993. "Blue Obsession" does certainly not give the impression of a coherent album. Does this mean, that the album is disappointing? Well - yes and no.

Disappointing yes, because some of the songs seem like fairly uncomfortable attempts to attract a younger audience. Take for example "Ain’t That Peculiar" which is a bit repetitive and dull, and the production is way to clinical for my taste (surprisingly the song is produced by the great David Pack). "Open The Door" might be meant to be soulful and "hip", but the melody is very weak and only Michael McDonald’s unique voice will prevent you from feeling complete indifference – this is below the man’s usual high standard as a songwriter. "Obsession Blues" has considerably more edge than usual for Mr. McDonald and the always excellent Bernard Chiaravalle’s guitar is right up front. This is rock & roll, but not memorable.

Disappointing no, because this is still a Michael McDonald album, and there are songs to die for plus some you would accept a good beating for. You get goosebumps all over and are once again reminded of this man’s outstanding abilities as a singer, keyboard player and song writer. "The Meaning Of Love" is a stunningly beautiful ballad, and with his silky smooth voice McDonald is quite simply showing the world, how a song like that is meant to be sung. Wauw! The duet "No Love To Be Found" (with Alison Krauss?) has a wonderful groove which will get you on your feet.

Another highlight of the album is the almost classic Aaron Neville song "Tell It Like It". Now please do not get me wrong; Aaron Neville is a marvoulous singer. But really - McDonald’s interpretation here is the definitive version of this song. The combination of McDonald’s vocal and the warm soulful sound of Kirk Whalum’s saxofone is a match made in heaven and you are left wishing for more – much more. Incidently rumour has it, that "Tell It Like It Is" will be omitted from the revised album (whenever that will be released). If this is true I do not get it. "Blue Obsession" is already a mix of different musical styles and why dump a masterpiece?!

I also like "All I Need" where McDonald’s love for gospel music shines through. The song releases a lot of energy and it sounds like it could have been written for Aretha Franklin. The intimate "Someday You Will" is a fitting closing to an album, that somehow tries to be too many different things. Nevertheless "Blue Obsession" contains true gems. And those gems no fan of West Coast music would want to be without. What does the future hold for "Blue Obsession"?

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