ERIC MARTIN – I’m Only Fooling Myself [Rock Candy remaster]

Here’s another request – and I scratch my head thinking why this great album wasn’t featured here before… ERIC MARTIN‘s second solo album “I’m Only Fooling Myself” recorded before he joined MR. BIG. This is terrific ’80s AOR album including the ‘who’s who’ from the L.A. session musician scene. And this is the first time appeared on CD, remastered by Rock Candy Records specialists.
There’s a world of difference between this pristine remaster and the slightly flat sounding original LP / cassette release.

When hugely popular hard rockers Mr Big’s single ‘To Be With You’ shot to #1 in the American charts in 1992 most assumed that it was an overnight rags to riches story. For vocalist Eric Martin, the road to success had, in many respects, been long and the fruit of hard work.

Based in San Francisco and managed by Journey’s Herbie Herbert, Martin’s career had long been big on promise but low on results. Among the critical experts, however, his reputation as one of the world’s best vocalists was always in the ascendant with praise never far from sight and always gushing.

“I’m Only Fooling Myself”, Eric Martin second solo album originally issued in 1987, is a work of sublime perfection. It is a record that fully supports the notion that Martin is blessed with one of the world’s greatest voices.
In addition, the choice of material is truly impressive with songwriting contributions from such terrific AOR-related names as Billy Steinberg (I-Ten), Tom Kelly (Van Stephenson, REO Speedwagon), Dan Hartman and Myles Hunter (Refugee) to name but just a few.

Since the beginning with the superb AOR of “These Are The Good Times” (from the movie Iron Eagle soundtrack), to the uptempo melody of end track “Gonna Make A Lover Out Of You” (pure ’80s, driven by the pumping bass work of Nathan East), you’re on a treat.

There’s a fantastic midtempo in “Everytime I Think Of You” (also recorded by Overland’s FM), an awesome melody and catchy chorus in “Confess” surrounded by lovely keys, and an elegant tune in the title track.

“Crazy World Like This” worth this album alone, a monster AOR song that only could have been recorded in the ’80s, plenty of atmospheres and a killer chorus akin Stan Bush finest moments.
For a more rock&pop songs – but with muscle – check “This Is Serious” (some Richard Marx on it), or the sweet “I Can’t Relax” where Martin shows the unique pharsing that will make Mr. Big famous of.

You find incredible players here: Richie Zito, Tim Pierce, Mike Landau on guitars (what a dream team), Nathan East, Michael Baird, Vinnie Colaiuta, and the star list continues.
While production is top notch, I always found the original release a bit flat in terms of sound. This Rock Candy remaster revitalized all levels and brightness.
Truly one of the greatest ‘solo artist’ AOR albums of the second half of the ’80s from unquestionably one of the world’s most revered Rock vocalists.
HIGHLY Recommended

01 – These Are The Good Times
02 – If You Believe Me
03 – Everytime I Think Of You
04 – I Can’t Relax
05 – I’m Only Fooling Myself
06 – Confess
07 – Unfinished Business
08 – Crazy World Like This
09 – This Is Serious
10 – Gonna Make A Lover Out Of You

Eric Martin – vocals
Arthur Barrow – keyboards, bass, synthesizers
Gary Chang – keyboards
Charles Jugde – keyboards
Richie Zito – guitars
Tim Pierce – guitars
Mike Landau – guitars
Rick Nowels – guitars, backing vocals
Nathan East – bass
Mark Chole – bass
Michael Baird – drums
Mickey Curry – drums
Vinnie Colaiutta – drums
Danny Hull – saxophone
Jerry Hey, Gary Grant, Ernie Watts – horn section
Paulinho Da Costa – percussion
David Boruff – sax solo
David Woodford – sax solo
Joe Pizzulo – backing vocals
Maxine Maters – backing vocals
Julia Waters-Tillman – backing vocals
Oren Waters – backing vocals
Phillip Ingram – backing vocals

BUY IT
www.amazon.de/IM-Only-Fooling-Myself-Special/dp/B0017ILO7M