Michael Bolton

Vintage
$18.98
Michael Bolton is in his element in tossing off this 2003 collection--a very short one, it must be said--of fine old bluesy-romantic pieces. Gone for the moment is the flamboyant wall of musicians that backs up his more anthemic rock and roll pieces. The music here is supplied by a diminutive assortment of soft-spoken instrumentalist. All that's missing is a smoky stage and a cover charge.

It's enough to get a man to wondering about the possibilities that Bolton and, say, Diana Krall might team up on a similar collection in the future. Bolton, truth be told, needs the variety a second voice would bring to this style of intimate singing. His voice is distinctive, strong, assured, but not supple. The give-and-take of a duet would raise the bar here.

Bolton always assembles the best available package to make the music that happens behind him. The result? A light, appealing, exceedingly short tribute to songs well written, long ago.

The Essential Michael Bolton
$15.93
Now, I like Michael, don't get me wrong. The whole Essential thing?? That doesn't work for me. I must have really sensitive equipment because to me, the mastering is not what it could be and as far as the Essential series goes, this is not the only entry in the series that needs to be looked at. Barry Manilow, Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, Alabama, and Ronnie Milsap should be listened to again and the mastering Engineer reproached for disinterest in the final results of what should be fine compilations highlighting highs in the various artists careers. No, these sets frustrate me and leave me wanting to investigate better compilations.

One World One Love
$17.49
Michael Bolton just keeps getting better and better. As each song played, I decided this was my favorite. . . then the next would play and it is just as amazing!!! A must have for any Bolton fan and all those that just love GOOD
music!!!!

When A Man Loves A Woman (Album Version)
$1.29