Oh, my.

I should call this review, "Pop Power Chords In Overdrive".
There, I did it.

I just read Venus In Overdrive was recorded in 32 days.
That may explain some of it.

I like Rick.
I have been a fan since Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet.
I really liked his previous album, Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance (it poked me in the chest, tried to rip my face off and was the best album I bought between 2004-2005).

I have listened to this album six times in the past three days.
I can't say a lot too nice about it, and I keep trying to find something nice to say.
And Rick is nice, seems to be...

All of the songs are in the same key, played with the same three or four power chords and use totally cheesy choruses and weak verses like he is trying to make some pop songs but they end up being bad pop songs. I don't think he's a pop artist - he has never tried to be since Success Hasn't Spoiled Me Yet.

There is guitar-driven music in here - but the title song is so guitar-driven, it sounds like Jesse's Girl 2010. The rest of the upbeat songs could all be the same song with the same four chords used in different sequences. He sounds like one of the zillion pop-rock teen post teen bands all over the radio these days.

I like Rick.

The song Saint Sahara is wonderful.

I just don't like the rest of this album. At all.
And the hurts to say.
Because I like Rick.
...I don't like this album.

Rick Springfield homepage.