Michael Bolotin. The guy got the chance to record two (forgettable) albums in the ’70s, but a very promising songwriter. The he joined BlackJack and released two strong melodic albums.
But it was with this self-titled ”Michael Bolton” – now using his professional name MICHAEL BOLTON, where he really showcased all his potential – many songs on this album were covered later by other artists like Eric Martin, Axel Rudi Pell, etc.
It was 1983. It was time for radio-friendly rock, with catchy melodies and a smooth AOR sound.
Future Kiss guitarist Bruce Kulick is the partner in crime here, but other luminaries from the genre like bro Bob Kulick, Aldo Nova, George Clinton, Mark Mangold (Drive She Said), Chuck Burgi (Rainbow), and more also perform.
This out of print Japanese reissue is from the late ’90s, and it sounds much better than the original early Nineties original CD release.
01 – Fools Game
02 – She Did The Same Thing
03 – Hometown Hero
04 – Can’t Hold On, Can’t Let Go
05 – Fighting For My Life
06 – Paradise
07 – Back In My Arms Again
08 – Carrie
09 – I Almost Believed You
Michael Bolton – lead and backing vocals, guitar
Bruce Kulick – lead guitar
Bob Kulick – rhythm guitar
Craig Brooks – rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Mark Mangold – synthesizer, backing vocals
Jan Mullaney – piano, synthesizer, Hammond
Aldo Nova – synthesizer, guitar solo (7)
George Clinton – synthesizer, backing vocals
Doug Katsaros – piano
Mark Clarke – bass
Michael Braun – drums
Chuck Burgi – drums
Lloyd Landesman – backing vocals
Scott Zito – bass, guitar, keyboards