Change

AMG Review of Change

Eduardo Rivadavia
All Music Guide

Given his already lengthy and turbulent career path through the music business, it's hard to believe that 2003's Change qualifies as the first proper solo album from erstwhile Genesis lead vocalist Ray Wilson. Five years on from that particularly nasty debacle, which saw Wilson left holding the rope Genesis fans tried to hang him with while Messrs. Banks and Rutherford conveniently looked the other way, Wilson wisely chose to stick with family for this release, relying on brother and longtime collaborator Steve for assistance. Together, the siblings composed a set of relatively mellow and introspective numbers, rich in vocal harmonies to back up Wilson's warm tones and often marrying acoustic simplicity with lush strings for a nicely soothing mix. Outstanding examples of this include opener "Goodbye Baby Blue," the haunting allad "Beach," and the all-purpose radio-friendly title track and "Along the Way." The also-excellent "Cry if You Want To" adds some crunchy riffing to the equation to wrap up the album's stellar first half, after which Wilson's inspiration seems to taper off somewhat until dreamy closer "The Last Horizon" wraps everything up with a nice flourish. Still, Change represents a solid comeback statement and promises much for Ray Wilson's future solo career.