Play for Keeps, the debut album by UK pop/soul singer Stephen Bayliss, sounds like a straight shot from 1976. Brimming with melodic ballads and light dance tunes surrounded by Barry White-like string and horn arrangements, there is a certain nostalgic innocence to the disc (it's tough not to smile during a song like "Try Again"). And with Bayliss's clear, theatrical voice up front, this sounds like the kind of album that Rick Astley might be making right now if he had a contract. Not particularly soulful, but a guilty pop pleasure nonetheless.
Play for Keeps, the debut album by UK pop/soul singer Stephen Bayliss, sounds like a straight shot from 1976. Brimming with melodic ballads and light dance tunes surrounded by Barry White-like string and horn arrangements, there is a certain nostalgic innocence to the disc (it's tough not to smile during a song like "Try Again"). And with Bayliss's clear, theatrical voice up front, this sounds like the kind of album that Rick Astley might be making right now if he had a contract. Not particularly soulful, but a guilty pop pleasure nonetheless.