Lareau's Changes Full of Pop-Rock Gems

Larry Lareau may have a band named after him because he is the focal point, but the people behind him are as equally important. What would he sing to without them? Nobody knows better than Lareau how important the musicians are. Lareau's vocals have an across-the-board contemporary rock sound, an infectious temperate rhythm that invites you inside the song.

Tracks like "Feelin' It" say it all. You can feel the music every step of the way. Even though Lareau is singing about a relationship and the feelings behind the situation or circumstance, you cannot help process all of those feelings and thoughts pushed through the music. It's a formula that works very well and the way his vocals follow the music is a thing of beauty, watching it all unfold before your ears is a sweet thing.

There are 12 tracks on this CD, and each is a rock-pop gem in its own right, peppered with pop polish just enough to make it all radio friendly for a wide audience. This is pleasing easy listening music with simple subject matter. It is all totally understandable and listenable, which is not a common thing these days unfortunately so it was not hard to enjoy.

Larry Lareau and company offer something that is indeed rare and enjoyable-sincerity, good music and musicians that play it above average, and most importantly, talented vocals to match the music.

Lareau has influences from Dave Matthews to Rob Thomas, albeit lighter and softer. That is not a bad pair of vocalists to be compared to should I say so myself. If rock-pop is your cup of tea then come drink from the cup, sip the golden nectar of the music gods courtesy of Lareau.

01. Changes (3:34)
02. Take A Ride (3:14)
03. I Need You (3:15)
04. Feelin' It (3:51)
05. Better This Way (3:03)
06. Maybe You Think (3:04)
07. Another Life (3:21)
08. No Way To Be Sure (3:51)
09. Storm (4:10)
10. One Sided (3:15)
11. Quicksand (4:22)
12. Step Aside (4:25)

Rating-8/10

Credits:

Larry Lareau-lead vocals
Darrin Payne-drums, percussion, keys, supporting vocals
Chris Saxton-guitar
Pete Gool-guitar
Anthony Brown-keyboards
Tim Reed-bass