Wasp

In an attempt to radically change 's image, and were recruited to reinvent the teen idol for the new wave '80s. They wound up essentially remaking Rundgren's Faithful album with lesser-known cover songs, looser arrangements, and on lead vocals. Like , is an eclectic selection of covers, mixed with typical originals, all delivered with adventurous, uniformly fine vocals from . The opening take on "Rebel Rebel" is indicative of the futility this album sometimes falls into: sounds fine in his lower register, but adds a munchkin-like second lead vocal, turning the song into near-parody. Similarly, "Shake Me, Wake Me" is nearly ruined by synthesizer tweets and synth drums, and "Once Bitten, Twice Shy" sports a playful tack-piano that undermines edgy delivery. Throughout the album, though, expressive vocals redeem material that is hampered by production quirks. And most of the album rises above the dated arrangements, which mar some of the best selections. "It's My Life" is effectively creepy with its eerie vocal and funereal tempo, "So Sad About Us" sports the strong group vocals and drive of -styled power-pop, and "Wasp" features a rapped lead vocal and heavy riff reminiscent of at its best. is a gutsy album for and, when he's not being overshadowed by his producer and backup band, a fine showcase for a talented singer who clearly transcended the teenybopper niche he was stuck in. ~ James A. Gardner