Can You Do Me Good?

There certainly is a randy sentiment within the title of Del Amitri's sixth album, something that suggests seduction and romance, and the band does follow through on the promise of Can You Do Me Good? -- at least to a certain extent. From the moment the opening track, "Just Before You Leave," begins, it's clear that there is a subtle smooth soul vibe here, taken partially from Al Green and Marvin Gaye. This doesn't mean that this is a soul record, but that spirit certainly informs much of this record, even though the band never really abandons the clean, sweet, melodic spirit that informs all their work. They even rock a little harder, as on "Wash Her Away," but not so much to change the spirit or attitude of the album, which remains very similar to all Del Amitri records -- apart from that sultry soul feeling that seeps through on enough of the tracks to give it a distinctive character. And that's quite welcome, actually. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine