It seemed like every single singer to dress androgynously and sing about partying enjoyed massive success in the late '80s. Strangely, one of the better singers of the genre, Donnie Vie, failed to hit the big time with his band, Enuff Z'Nuff. The group managed to carve a niche for itself, but by 2003, Vie was ready to go out and show what he could do on his own, as he issued his first-ever solo album, Just Enough. As far as the compositions go, Just Enough is not that different from what a new Enuff Z'Nuff album would sound like, although sonically Vie cuts back on the over-the-top production that his main band is known to indulge in from time to time. In fact, the overall feel of the album is probably not far off from a set of polished demos. Additionally, there are few true up-tempo rockers here. But longtime Enuff Z'Nuff fans shouldn't be deterred -- you're sure to enjoy such laid-back Beatles-esque ditties as the album opening "Spider Web," "Wintergreen Eyes," and "Alice in a Jam." And Vie also gets a chance to show off his sensitive side on the acoustic ballads "That's What Love Is" and "Wasting Time."
© Greg Prato /TiVo