Michael Franks' first album of the '90s and his first in three years was a complete return to form and his best album since 1979's
Tiger in the Rain. Meditative, lush and clearly the work of an artist intent on making personal music regardless of trends or airplay,
Blue Pacific is as open and beautiful as the ocean for which it is named. The return of the production team of
Tommy LiPuma and
Al Schmitt doesn't hurt either, and with such veteran pros as
Dean Parks,
John Guerin,
John Patitucci and
Peter Erskine on board, how could
Franks miss? With additional production and engineering support by
Walter Becker and
Roger Nichols, the
Steely Dan connection, previously hinted at, was finally made, with great results. It's pointless to single out individual songs, since this is very much a complete, unified work. The album marked a total rebirth for
Franks. ~ Steve Matteo