Peter Stuart

'Propeller'



Vanguard Records



Grade: B-



Peter Stuart is not an unknown name in the music world. He experienced several years - and albums worth - of success with his band Dog's Eye View, who released their last album, "Daisy," in 1997. Since then, the band has broken up and Stuart has decided to move on to bigger, better things, including his first solo release, entitled "Propeller."

"Propeller" is a sample of all things good about mainstream rock. That being said, it also has some of the fatal flaws of mainstream rock: Generic, somewhat bland sounding songs and not too much musical variation. That is not to say it is a bad album; it is simply slightly flavorless.

Take the opening track, "Take Me Back." It has all the elements needed for a good song: A tight beat, a nice melody and upbeat energy. But, while listening, I couldn't help but feel like I was listening to every other mainstream rock song played on the radio. It was alright, but there was a feeling of "I've already heard this" permeating the song. The same applied to the next two songs, "Propeller Girl" and "Innocence." Both are almost-ballads, accompanied by flutes and pianos, and lyrics that aren't witty yet aren't boring. While they were enjoyable listens, there was something altogether forgettable about both.

The first single from the album, "With My Heart In Your Hands," is another story entirely. It opened with a beautiful groove - a soft, easy and bouncy bass and drum hook that grabbed me right away. It also boasted the best lyrics of any song on the album. Stuart sings many hilarious and often inspiring witticisms in these songs, including my favorite line: "It's hard to be waiting here for you to decide / If you'll let me into your life or let me go / I don't want to get caught with my plans around my ankles." The track is extremely enjoyable and Stuart's lyrical talent is displayed much better than anywhere else on the album.

However, after "With My Heart In Your Hands," the album loses quite a bit of steam. "Vertigo" and "Let's Get Lost" continue the more upbeat vibe while incorporating elements of jazz in very interesting ways. "Roll Me Over" is a frustrating venture because the lyrics are very poignant and original, but the music is utterly forgettable.

The album returns to generic mainstream rock from there on out, sliding through "Songs About You," "Here I Am Here," "The Real You" and "Bring You Back" without much originality. The songs all blend into each other, and become almost interchangeable by the time the record is finished.

Peter Stuart's first offering as a solo artist only hints at the potential he has to create some really interesting music. It was frustrating to hear the potential floating just below the surface, buried under the safe route of classic mainstream rock. With a little more experimenting and risk-taking in the future, Stuart could be a fantastic find.