Everything (Extended Deluxe Edition)

Listeners who can't stomach a high intake of sugar should stay away from Climie Fisher's 1988 debut album, Everything. Swaying between bubblegum and synth pop, Everything is a slick, overwhelmingly sweet record. Rod Stewart's blue-eyed soul reverberates in the raspy croon of vocalist Simon Climie, and the ghosts of '80s club staples such as Scritti Politti and Naked Eyes haunt the band's upbeat, funky rhythms. The U.S. hit single "Love Changes (Everything)" is saccharine enough to have been an Archies song; nevertheless, in limited doses it's as tasty as a chocolate sundae. But be forewarned: "Love Changes (Everything)" has a chorus that adheres to the brain like glue. Lovely acoustic riffs and uplifting lyrics cast an afternoon glow on "Rise to the Occasion." It, like the other tracks on Everything, is innocuous fluff that is too well-crafted to dismiss. Fans of keyboardist Rob Fisher's previous group Naked Eyes might be disappointed by Climie Fisher's weaker material; however, comparing the two bands is unfair. They leans close to the mainstream than Naked Eyes ever did. On tracks such as "I Won't Bleed for You," "Precious Moments," and "Never Let a Chance Go By," Climie Fisher fulfill their modest ambitions of producing catchy, unpretentious pop music. But too much of Everything can cause cavities, since they don't stray from their confectionery-laced formula. ~ Michael Sutton