[.ca] Plan B

From Amazon.com:
Huey Lewis and the News may have taken 10 years off between albums, but after listening to the ironically titled Plan B, it's like the Little Bar Band That Could never really left. Disarming frontman Huey Lewis is still turning out the same affable, effortless, pasteurized pop that he did when the band dominated the charts in the '80s, and his crack band plays with precision. The only difference is that instead of pining for a new drug, regaling listeners with those wry little cultural snapshots like "Hip to Be Square," or complaining about "Working for a Living," this collection of 10 original tunes (and a cover of Nick Lowe's "When I Write the Book") is an examination of relationships. Not the redeeming "Power of Love" that Lewis extolled in 1982, but the self-conscious ebb and flow of a long romance as it unravels. Songs like the discouraging "Let Her Go and Start Over" and the quirky "My Other Woman" throw a dim light on ardor and attachment. Even the album's standout track, "I'm Not in Love Yet" (a duet with the wondrously gritty-voiced Wynonna Judd) finds both parties hedging their bets. But you shouldn't. This is a strong collection of songs that elevates the band from being just another '80s retread, and also proves that Plan A is still working fine. --Jaan Uhelszki

Well past their prime:
As someone who grew up on the Rock 'n Roll of Huey Lewis and the News, it's quite disheartening to hear this once rocking band now turning out songs that my grandparents would listen to. The band seems to have mellowed in thier old age as proven by the fact that there isn't a single rock track on this album. It's a collection of ballads and slow songs that might as well be a completely different band than the excellent musicians that turned out such 80's anthems as The Heart of Rock 'N Roll, and The Power of Love. While there are some longtime fans that may appreciate the different direction the band took with this release, I'll stick with their older releases.

Unexpectedly excellent !:
I am an old fan of Huey Lewis. However I must confess I had almost forgotten him with the years. I recently rediscovered him watching again "Back to the future" with my young daughters (for them it was the first time and a shock !). Wanting to listen to Huey again (and to the News !) I bought Fore and Sports. My pleasure to hear them again was so great that after some hesitation I bought Plan B, finally convinced by the very good reviews written in Amazon. It was a right decision. After so much time the risk to have a kind of ersatz (only just efficient to recall you the good old time) was strong like it was often the case with many groups and singers. But not with Huey Lewis and the News ! The disc is excellent, full of joyful energy (I was always fascinated by the energy of Huey and his unique voice and this energy remains intact) and could have been, however, a little bit longer. It's almost incredible to make such good music - which sounds so "classical", so ageless - so many years after. Songs like "When I write the book", "Thank you # 19" or "Let her go and start over" (wonderful backing vocals) - but all the titles can be quoted - could have been written twenty years ago and, for me, it's a compliment. Last precision: my daughters (12 and 6) like Plan B as much as Fore or Sports. And I swear it, without any constraint !

Don't dodge Huey because he's swingin':
If you've heard that Huey is doin' the swing thing now, and have steared clear, well you better not. This group is as great or better than in their hit heyday. We saw them live, and were totally blown away!! One of the best shows ever!!! The record is just as good. This is a pure classic.

Better and better every time:
I've been a Huey fan since "Do you believe in love" caught my ear on the radio. I wore out a casetter of "Sports" and its replacement get heavy use in my CD player even today. But Plan B, which songs I first heard at a concent in 2001, get better every time I hear it. The bluesy feel, coupled with the pop nature of some of tracks is a wonderful experience everytime I play it. If you like Huey's laid back attitude and his ability to make you tap you feel while you listen, get this one.

Best HLN album yet!:
I was stunned how good this album is, and how much fun to listen to. It's rooted in old time rock and roll as Bob Seger says. Only dissappointment is that it isn't longer!

• We're Not Here For A Long Time (We're Here For A Good Time)
• My Other Woman
• I Ain't Perfect
• When I Write The Book
• I'm Not In Love Yet (with Wynonna)
• Thank You #19
• Plan B
• The Rhythm Ranch
• Let Her Go and Start Over
• I Never Think About you
• So Little Kindness