Although not as satisfying as
Different,
the Sighs' fantastic 1995 Big Deal album,
What Goes On is still a great slice of '90s power-pop that should appeal to any fan of the genre. Always a little more on the rock side of the pop/rock fence, the
Sighs deliver an album full of classic, big drum beats, British Invasion-style vocal harmonies and huge guitars. Veering from sounds reminiscent of '80s pop-metal bands like Winger to driving, Pretenders-like jangle rock, the
Sighs always place their catchy hooks front and center. The other constant is vocalist/songwriter Bobby LaRoche's prototypically pop voice. At his best, LaRoche infuses the slickest of tunes with an honesty and sense of melancholy that gives
the Sighs' music a depth which puts it head and shoulders above that of similar, lesser, bands like the Outfield. Unlike
Different, however, LaRoche here sometimes misses the mark, favoring pop cliché over emotional directness. There are still several winners, though -- particularly the bittersweet "Make You Cry" and "Heroes Are Made for Falling." Although it falls short of
Different in the variety and heart departments,
What Goes On is still a good effort from one of the greatest bands of the '90s power-pop revival. ~ Pemberton Roach