ROB TAYLOR
Sucker (self-released)
Reviewed by Erick Mertz

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Earnestness in popular music is rarely as fetching as it is the bearer of unintentionally clumsy, tongue in cheek lyricism: less sugar than it is saccharin. Those syrupy moments never solidify as charming enough to last -- they're onerous and make better "Where Are They Now?" fodder than they do satisfying food.

Rob Taylor is an earnest presence. Both lyrically and musically, there is a super powered sense on the four-song EP Sucker. Taylor has a bucketful of real charm however, enough to work through his confessional topic with straightforward approach. An award winning singer and songwriter, zest is everywhere on Sucker, making perfect compliment to honed musical craftsmanship. Songs like "Boston" and "My Secret Identity" sound crisp and delightful, giving sincerity in popular music a second chance.

[Pick this up at www.cdstreet.com.]

© 2003 - Erick Mertz