Notes & Personnel Info |  | Audio Mixers: Chris Anderson ; Jeff Dalziel; Lenny DeRose. | | Coasting through the majority of the competition on charm, sex appeal, and personality, Rex Goudie nearly took the title during the third season of Canadian Idol, only to be smoked in the finale by then-girlfriend Melissa O'Neil. Nonetheless, the Newfoundland based singer was signed to a record deal by the same execs who signed O'Neil, in hopes of truly capitalizing on the Idol name and producing more than one hit record. The result of this is Under the Lights, which was released only three months after Goudie assumed runner-up status on the summer blockbuster show. Goudie is not a terrific singer; yet throughout Under the Lights, he suffices with what he has. With a terrific set of gritty pop songs, Goudie presents a strong first attempt at commercial success because the songs aren't dependent on a one-two punch singer with a killer voice. The songs are slick, personable, and genuinely exciting if occasionally underwhelming, which was always the way Goudie perceived the competition. By taking everything he has and producing the best record he can, he actually manages to present a stronger album than most pop/rock artists of this generation who never really let go on their albums. Each song is different, catchy, memorable, and tantalizing, like true audio candy. Even so, some songs are better than others (although you may want to skip over "Strong Enough"); gems like "Run" make up for it. "Run" is a passionate display of pop affection that replays beautifully. Plus, the haunting "Whiskey Lullaby," a duet between Goudie and Melissa O'Neil, adds dimension to the record. Other tracks, like "Lie Awake," and "Write It in Lightning" stand as great pop/rock songs that suffice as commercial successes. Truthfully, Goudie isn't the best artist out there, and he is far from the best singer; however on Under the Lights, he gives 110-percent, and it shows, and credit must be given because the effort, and the charisma, are there. It all balances out in the end. ~ Matthew Chisling |
Producer: Chris Anderson; Rob Wells; Denis Tougas; Phil Demetro; Jeff Dalziel; Perry Alexander; Fred St-Gelais; Chris Perry |
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