Love Remains - A Review

Spencer James' latest CD, "Love Remains" (2001) chronicles the joy and heartache experienced by those in search of love. From the opening chord of "Commitment" to the closing tender moments of "Do I Love You Enough", musical excellence abounds. The listener is treated to a cornucopia of scintillating performances in concert with vibrant instrumentation and superb vocals. James has sucessfully woven a rich fabric of melodies with stylish textures borrowed from country and rock. Fans will embark on a romantic journey visiting songs that tug at and caress the heart. James sings about memories of past loves, sometimes recalling happiness and on other occasions realizing only dreams of wishes unfulfilled.

From the outset, we are introduced to Commitment penned by Colton, Wood and Martin, which could easily be taken as a metaphor extolling James' efforts in crafting this release. Praying for "a match made in heaven" this opening track tells the story of a man searching for a steadfast lover "who is playing for keeps". James' fine vocal is in some measure reminiscent of the style of Cliff Richard with a touch of Billy Joel in the chorus. Lest this seem too unduly churlish, one wonders whether these singing legends have influenced Spencer's vocal style in general and this song in particular. The bass runs and the supporting voices on this track speak to the commitment and the sense of grounding of which James seeks.

Just to See You Smile a cleverly written Nesler and Martin tune, speaks to the importance of seeing happiness in the one you love, even if it means letting go. This is an up tempo country tune with an intriguing mix of acoustic, electric and steel guitars - a fiddle and banjo thrown in for good measure. The introduction of layered harmonies in the chorus adds to the depth of this song and provides a striking contrast against Spencer's verse solo. A thumping bass echoes a lover's steady heartbeat. This song is cheerful in sound but ironically speaks to the sadness in a relationship where happiness could only be found by its ending. It is strategically placed on the CD between songs of a slower tempo.

Love Remains by Douglas and Daddario, opens with a delightful piano solo and along with the silky smooth vocal of James sends shivers up the spine. Perhaps Spencers best vocal on the CD, this song is a moving developmental history of a young man who expresses his gratitude for the nurturing love that has seen him through good times and bad. A family of voices is heard that highlights the depth of love expressed. Absolutely wonderful steel guitar work is accentuates the mood fostered by tender and moving lyrics. As true as James' voice, love is sometimes the only constant in a an ever changing world. The lead guitar and steel guitar solo before the final verse is a stand out. A most memorable song and the perfect choice for the tile of this fine work.

Have love, will travel just give me a call. In a bold way, James makes it clear that a budding relationship is only a phone call away at 6345789. A Cropper and Floyd composition, the song allows the listener to harken back to the days of Beechwood 45789 by the Marvelettes. The lyrics to 6345789 are in the same vein, however, the offering by the Marvelettes was "You can call me up and have a date any old time." Spencer James', however, is making all the offers here "If you need a little lovin' call on me." Fine lead fills and solo backed by a Leslie tone-cabinet sound and a simulated horn section moves this song along nicely. A very brief but tasteful a cappella ending, reminds those interested in his romantic offers, that he can be reached at 6345789.

In Warren's Don't Wanna Miss a Thing James sings of angelic moments while watching a lover sleeping. Truly smitten, as is the listener, he can't bear to sleep and as he drinks to the full, this romantic bliss. "I don't want to miss one smile, I don't want to miss one kiss", the steady and accented drum beat of his heart takes James' romantic expressions to the zenith. Very innovative lead guitar work ends this precious and captivating musical experience.

I Saw The Light is a classic composed by Todd Rundgren. Spencer presentation is most remarkable. A fiddle introduction leads the way to most effective syncopated steel guitar chording. The instrumental steel guitar solo is a standout and the questions posed by this instrument seem to be answered by a great synth guitar. It is easy to get swept away as beautiful harmonies evoke images of looking into shining blue eyes.

Be forwarned that tearful moments await you when listening to the most touching Love Me composed by Barnes. A crystal clear acoustic guitar introduction begins a ballad that is captivating from the outset. A great trebly bass presence comes to the forefront and holds instrumental center stage until a tasteful snare drum seizes out attention. This love story is told by a grandson who learns of his grandparents' love for one another through a note written by his grandmother. The words of his grandmother's letter are sung in the chorus and end "Between now and then, till I see you again, I'll be loving you, Love Me." The melody of "Love Me" takes us back to a gentler time with lyrics that speak to the innocence of yesteryear.

Lipstick Promises is a clever song written by Ducas and Sillers that illustrates the extent to which infatuation can cloud the sensorium or perhaps more succinctly stated "love is blind." An innovative and thumping bass in tandum with enticing drum work creates a mood that is every bit a "drop dead shade of red" as James' lover's lipstick. A seductive background is made complete by haunting keyboard effects, sometimes in bold, sometimes at a whisper.

The ebb and flow of romantic emotions is most apparent throughout the CD with the fickleness of love reflected in the Del Shannon's Runaway. James' version of this 1960's American classic is nestled between love jaded by "Lipstick Promises" and the concern of a lover's devotion expressed in "Do I Love You Enough." The signature of "Runaway" is the rhythm guitar introduction which James preserves in this modernized version. Spencer's synth guitar, known to Searchers' fans around the globe, imitates the Leslie tone-cabinet sound in the original recording, and conjures up images of a fleeting lover. This track captures nostalgic moments of the "old days", particularly the drumming, but at the same time is nicely wrapped in a fresh new package.

Do I Love You Enough, created by Fagan and Palas, has one lover wondering whether his commitment is deep enough to insure the success of their relationship. This fleeting moment of doubt is quickly answered in the next track that once again speaks to a lover's undying devotion. James deep and mellow voice early on this track is followed by the more forceful and plantiff moments captured toward the song's conclusion.

Commitment (Dance Remix) let's all of us put our dance shoes on and get swept away with the moment. This song pulls out all the electronic stops with regard to drum rhythms and keyboards. Spencer James reaffirms his commitment to his partner and "parties the night away." This is a most interesting interpretation of his opening track that is most uplifting and generates considerable enthusiasm.

More than "Love Remains" in this exquisite release, Spencer James' second to date. My only criticism of this CD is that I yearned for more as James' final "Commitment" was made. One is taken with the timeless quality of these tracks and their exquisite presentation offers us valuable insight into this talented artist. Spencer James' fine collection of love songs are sung with heart and from the soul.