Bob Sinclar, just slightly more of a self-publicist than
Thomas Bangalter (the
Daft Punk mainman and co-producer of
Sinclar's "Gym Tonic" hit), seemed completely resistant to changing any of the longstanding clichés of filter-disco and the '70s nostalgia movement for his second LP, Champs Elysées. Ably summoning the spirit of the age of Cerrone and Charlie's Angels,
Sinclar proved himself a solid producer despite the lack of freshness, adding in plenty of swooping strings, nickel-bag guitars, and soft-toned keyboards. "Got to Be Free" and "Darlin'" (featuring ex-D-Train vocalist James "D-Train" Williams) are a pair of disco-mover productions that wouldn't sound out of place on classic American R&B radio, and
Sinclar has plenty of fun throughout the LP. ~ John Bush