Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart

Most music fans showed no interest in this album when in it was released in 1976 -- it was most certainly their loss. Though lightweight and fluffy, this album ended up being the most consistent Monkees-related release since Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones, the fourth Monkees album from 1967. With top-notch songs from the pens of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart and even a few outstanding tracks from Mickey Dolenz, this album was destined to be a cult classic. Kicking off with the mid-tempo balladry of "Right Now," sung by Davy Jones and featuring a few Lennon-esque chord changes, it was obvious that this was not the latest Deep Purple album (although the chunky guitar riff in "Moonfire" certainly owes a bit of debt to DP's "Smoke on the Water" if you can believe it). "I Love You (And I'm Glad That I Said It)," sung by Hart, is a beautiful ballad that Kenny Rogers could've turned into a monstrous hit. "You and I" is the same track that the Monkees re-recorded for the Justus album, though this version is sung by Dolenz and is much better. "It Always Hurts the Most in the Morning" is another track sung by Dolenz and features even more Lennon-esque chord changes. "You Didn't Feel That Way Last Night" is a direct rewrite of the Monkees classic "Stepping Stone" and Dolenz has fun with it. The Dolenz-penned track "Savin' My Love for You" is pure pop cheese but is one of the greatest cheese-pop songs ever written. The single "I Remember the Feeling" is one of those feel-good tracks that restores your faith in pop music with Jones handling the verses and Dolenz belting his way throughout the chorus. Dolenz steals the show on this album. His harmonies are perfect while his lead vocals have never sounded better. Though the other three members take their solo turns handling a verse of "Sail on Sailor," Dolenz sits out the verses but steals the show during the chorus' fadeout while wailing "Sail On! Sail On! Sail O-o-n!" Genius. The only misstep here is a horrific rendition of "Along Came Jones" that may have been fun to record but is too painful to listen to. DJB & H had quite a past behind them, but they certainly lived up their legend here. ~ Steve Schnee