Richie delivers sexy sounds of true romance

In his new album "Time," Richie continues his exploration for the perfect love song. One that lets the ladies know that he's their man and he is truly devoted to their relationship. It might sound a bit trite, and it is. This album is just a re-hashing of old Richie themes, (Hello, Lady, we'll go all night long and be dancing on the ceiling. Oh, what a feeling!) At the same time, it is still an aural pleasure, as only Richie can give.

The album opens with "Zoomin'," a funky ode to ghetto children. The socially aware lyrics are a bit out of the ordinary for Richie - who usually only croons about the bedroom - but he pulls it off with relative grace. The highly percussive nature of this tune kicks off an album full of beats and rhythms previously unfamiliar to Richie fans.

The tune "Touch" takes the artist back to his magical skill of love making. This song has everything you need: Lionel's voice singing barely above a whisper, background singers, and overly melodramatic guitar solos. It's an immediate classic.

Lionel Richie
Time Mercury Records 4 stars Reviewed by Daily Arts Writer Aaron Rich

Straying far from his pop roots in the song "To the Rhythm," Richie takes a backup role to spoken word performers Da Boogie Men, who, regardless of its name, sound exactly like the Last Poets - well, a poppy Last Poets.

It is rare for a modern pop act to write a beautiful song - but indeed Richie's talent is rare, after all. The song "The Closest Thing to Heaven" brings beautiful synthesizers, percussion and guitars together with a strong voice. Who could have doubted Lionel's monopoly of the great love song market!

It might have been nice to hear some new sounds from Richie, but why should he bother? He has proved and proved again that he can write soothing, timeless tunes. It is clear that, as his classic song says, Lionel Richie is your night in shining armor and he loves you.

09-15-98