EP Review - Brian Howe - Emotions

I've both procrastinated and agonized over writing this review of former Bad Company lead vocalist and fellow Lee County resident, Brian Howe's, self proclaimed farewell to the world of music. I promised Brian and my readers that I would publish a review of this EP several days ago but unfortunately after listening to these five songs repeatedly I've hesitated out of respect for one of rock 'n roll's finest voices, one that I hold in the same regard as the likes of Sammy Hagar and Chris Cornell.

In promoting "Emotions", Brian claims, "It marks the end of my recording career. I did not make it with a record company as I wanted it to be personal from me to you. I am very proud of this effort which was influenced by the love of my life. Please tell all of your friends on Facebook about this record and spread the word. It will be strange to never record again but with the advent of free download sites and record companies with no clue the time is right to retire. I hope you enjoy listening to real "Emotions" as much as I did making it."

As a vocalist who cut his teeth on Ted Nugent's "Penetrator" album, then not only stepped into but filled the extremely large shoes of Bad Company's Paul Rodgers then culminated with the solo effort, "Circus Bar", considered one of 2010's finest recordings, it's hard to believe that this is the same man behind the whiny drivel on "Emotions".

Although Brian added a distinctly pop flavor to both Ted Nugent and Bad Company, he still maintained the ability to rock and unleash those powerful pipes. His songwriting ability also appeared strong on Bad Company's "Holy Water" and his solo effort, Circus Bar". But, unfortunately, on "Emotions", the writing flows weakly like a teenage emo girl sharing a letter with a friend over a broken first love. The vocals share the same weakness and tremble like a drunkard in a bar crying and pitying himself over the wife who disappeared. When I listen to this EP, I envision Brian, martini in hand, sitting at a piano with a fire roaring in the background reveling in lost love with his Fort Myers fishing buddies or his rugby mates from Portsmouth.

I deeply desire that I could stress the highlights of this EP but all 5 tunes echo the same pathetic, hollow message. Nothing the slightest bit uplifting or truly moving can be found on this album. While listening, one feels the life and emotion being sucked from their being.

Brian, I realize that surrounded by cronies, many are patting you on the back complimenting you for this effort and congratulating you for leaving the record companies by the roadside but I think we all know the truth. No record company would touch this mess. We've all lost love at some point in our life and albeit difficult, we pick ourselves up and move on. We don't wallow in it forever. I remember you sharing the same bitterness with me about your ex over a beer in Daytona Beach seven years ago. Don't allow "Emotions" to delineate the end of your career. You are better than this. Your only 58 years old, still young for retirement by any measure so please remember as fans, we'd prefer to see you go out with a bang rather than a fizzle!