Re-released debut finally gets its due

Review Score: (8/10)
When this album was originally released in 1989, it was to very little recognition: the single "Don't Cry Ilene" fared well on Adult Contemporary radio, but otherwise Vonda Shepard didn't make much of a dent on the music industry. This wasn't, of course, due to any lacking in her talent, and now that this album is re-released by her current label and selling well, I think it's proof that labels need to pay more attention to honest songwriting instead of the current trends and gimmicks. "Baby Don't You Break My Heart Slow" is a gorgeous ballad that should have found its way to radio; maybe it will yet, since rumor has it that an updated version will appear on Vonda's next album, due in '99. In the meantime, this album also offers pop gems in the form of "He Ain't With Me," "Hold Out," and the poignant "Looking for Something." And if "I Shy Away" and "I've Been Here Before" seem a little closer to bubblegum pop than Vonda's later material, the production and spirit of the recordings still make them downright irresistible. This fine album was always destined for popularity, and even if it took nine years to find it, well...better late than never.

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