Kasim Sulton doesn't issue solo albums on a regular basis (not counting the 1998 demo collection The Basement Tapes, his last real solo effort was 1982's Kasim), but the reason isn't laziness -- as he keeps himself busy constantly working with others in the studio and on the concert stage. Finally, in late 2002 (over 20 years since his solo debut),
Sulton got around to issuing a proper sophomore effort,
Quid Pro Quo. Although his songwriting is known primarily to reflect the power pop style (especially his outstanding work with
Utopia),
Quid Pro Quo is a very mature album -- as
Sulton has bypassed the "power" portion and focused on the "pop" side of the equation, albeit in a singer/songwriter style. The album-opening "Sacrifice" is an uptempo tune that contains some positive thinking/new age lyrics, while
Sulton focuses on his more tranquil side with the almost
Barry Manilow-ish ballad "We the People." Although
Quid Pro Quo is a worthwhile listen for those interested in hearing what
Sulton is up to nowadays, those expecting tunes in the style of "Set Me Free" (the
Sulton-sung Top 30 hit
Utopia scored in 1980) may be disappointed. ~ Greg Prato