Using a heavily synthesized sound Michael Sembello recorded an album very much in the vein of then-contemporary artists such as Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald, AOR of the easiest sort.
Written by: Dangerzone
ARTIST: Michael Sembello
ALBUM: Bossa Nova Hotel
LABEL: Warner Bros
SERIAL: 23920-1
YEAR: 1983
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA.
LINEUP: Michael Sembello – everything * Vinnie Colaiuta – drums * Danny Sembello – bass, keyboards * Nathan Watts – bass * Don Freeman – keyboards
TRACK LISTING: 01 Automatic Man * 02 First Time * 03 Cowboy * 04 It’s Over * 05 Maniac * 06 Godzilla * 07 Talk * 08 Cadillac * 09 Lay Back * 10 Superman
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
Philadelphia native Michael Sembello got his break as part of Stevie Wonder‘s band in the 70’s after years of honing his musical skills on any instrument imaginable. This break led to a solo deal with Warner Bros with whom Sembello recorded his debut in 1983.
Sembello has led an ambitious career to say the least, experimenting with different genres and languages but none has reached the levels of this. Using a heavily synthesized sound Michael Sembello recorded an album very much in the vein of then-contemporary artists such as Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross and Michael McDonald, AOR of the easiest sort.
One of the album’s tracks, ‘Maniac’ was one of the biggest singles of the year, after featuring in the film ‘Flashdance’. In fact, it became one of the iconic tracks of the 80’s decade.
The Songs
Sembello reserves perhaps the best cut first, with ‘Automatic Man’. Everything about the track is synthesizer, drums, bass, backing vocals etc. The melody is never lacking, and so evident you might find yourself repeating this one frequently! Ace guitar solo from Sembello adds AOR flavour, along with his reserved vocals.
‘First Time’ is smooth West Coast MOR with a relaxed chorus and well-timed harmonies. ‘Cowboy’ toys with some old west rhythms, not exactly agreeable, but innovative.
‘It’s Over’ has some keyboard sounds not unlike Wham! were using in 83. A mature sense of melody and melodrama raises it above such fluff, fortunately.
‘Maniac’ is still a classic AOR single, if well worn. A thrilling guitar solo and use of the term ‘danger zone’ give it the momentum.
‘Godzilla’ concerns the monster itself, using jungle-style synths and a more upbeat tone. A disjointed series of various solos gives it a strange atmosphere. ‘Talk’ is as laid back as soft AOR gets, with very lush string arrangements, and a vocal duet with wife Cruz Baca Sembello.
‘Cadillac’ notches up a classic chorus, great buildup in between. More notably another synthesizer overdose. ‘Lay Back’ and ‘Superman’ are another pair of easy listening light AOR, by now the McDonald-Cross comparisons are inevitable. Must be those strings.
In Summary
The album succeeded on the back of ‘Maniac’, which allegedly is the third biggest-selling single off a soundtrack ever, gaining Sembello a Grammy. He then went on to produce movie soundtracks and work with musicians like Michael Jackson, Barbara Striesand, Diana Ross and Laura Brannigan.
Michael Sembello’s own music has met with little interest but he has gone on to sing in every possible language according to his website, quenching his ‘thirsting and burning for spiritual realization and world harmony.’
As far as his AOR output goes, ‘Bossa Nova Hotel’ is a genuine success when it comes to the lighter side of the genre. If you enjoy that aspect, then this is essential.
Michael Sembello on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
