Billie Myers Has Returned on Sophomore Disc: Vertigo

Hello, can you hear me? oh, sorry, that was from Billie's debut CD Growing, Pains a couple of years ago. Let's try this again, sometimes I digress. We've all heard about the sophomore jinx in the music business, Billie Myers has nothing to worry about.

2 1/2 years after her smash debut "Growing, Pains," Billie Myers has returned doing the impossible, she has penned an almost perfect body of work. Why almost perfect? It depends on your definition of perfect. "Vertigo," encompasses some of the best music I have heard in years. Though her first debut went somewhat unnoticed, it's going to be hard to ignore her this time around. She had a hit with "Kiss The Rain," in 1997 on both radio and video. I'm betting this release takes her over the top. As a singer, Billie's vocal stylings are unique and all her own.

Previous comparisons to Chrissie Hynde have fallen by the wayside. She has carved her own niche. Her voice is rich with many textured layers that one could cut with a knife. Her lyrics are just as extraordinary. She is not a superficial writer. With lines like "I guess I don't have to like you to still be in love," from "Without My Consent" is there any doubt she takes no prisoners.

Let us backtrack just a bit: Born in England, her mother English, her father West Indian, has brought out the best in the singers' diverse background. Her genre is not easily definable. Possibly best described as power pop, she packs quite a punch. That's what makes "Vertigo" unique. Back with Desmond Child (he produced "Growing Pains,") their song "A Room Full Of View," is about as perfect as you can get both lyrically and musically. Billie doesn't merely sing, she projects the songs with great imagery and sensuality.

Vertigo is a sensual CD. The first single "Am I Here Yet," sampled a bit of Hot Chocolate's "You Sexy Thing," should give you a clue as to what you're in for, but then again, no. Many of the songs on this CD will catch you by surprise. This is one of those rare releases that it's better to sit down and listen to rather than using it as background music. Co-produced with David Tyson, Billie Myers has out done herself. Other songs to listen for are "Without My Consent," "Never Let Them See You Cry," and Vertigo.

The dance clubs will probably jump on "Flexible," a fun jaunt for James Bond fans and those who love songs charged with sexual energy. Nicking the James Bond Theme, she has created Jane Bond. An incredible techno beat mixed with ambitious sexually charged lyrics that leaves little to the imagination. God, I love rock-and-roll! I don't think Ian Fleming had this in mind but I'm sure he would revel in it. She could be labeled as the Dr. Ruth Of Rock.

Included in the jacket are samples of her poetry which are also quite thought provoking and unique. If you're looking for a well rounded, written, produced and performed CD, Billie Myers "Vertigo," is the one. It's not often an artist brings us this close to themselves and perfection all on the same release. You'll dance, you'll sway, tap your foot, make your boss nervous as you bop to the beat sitting at your computer (yes, I received some strange looks from passers by). I shall leave you with two Billie Myers antidotes:

"Being cool can be overdone." and "Always undress in the dark." Not even I can top that.