Nelson Gill rocks a little bit harder on his second effort, Friends. The drums (by and large still simulated by synthesizers) are more aggressive here than on Going Places, and the background vocalists play a larger role. There is an enthusiastic reggae rap on "Soca Rock" and a wicked electric guitar solo on "Punta 'Til We Drop." (Punta is the latest addition to Gill's already impressive arsenal of Caribbean musical styles.) The energy is welcome, but in his efforts to get the party rockin' Gill has begun to repeat himself unnecessarily. His call to "Punta 'Til We Drop" on track five is immediately followed with a chorus of "dance punta punta rock" on track six. Track seven is -- you saw this coming -- "Soca Rock." The next track, "Baila Merengue," offers a change of rhythm but little change in the "everybody get up and dance" lyrics. Later, on track 12, Gill gets really crazy and combines tracks eight and six to come up with "Baila Punta." The melodies get repetitive as well; reggae songs "Tick Tock" and "Power to Be Me" are more imaginative lyrically, but seem to share a tune. The songwriter, so creative on his debut, seems to be in a bit of a rut here. But it may not matter too much to his devoted little fans, who will probably enjoy the album's romping party mood.
© Evan Cater /TiVo