ëƵ

close

Music review: Huey Lewis and the News – ëƵWeatherëƵ

By Clint Rhodes for The 3 min read
1 / 2
Music review: Huey Lewis and the News - ëƵWeatherëƵ
2 / 2

Rhodes

During my college days, my cassette of ëƵëƵëƵ by Huey Lewis and the News would receive regular playing time on my daily commute from home to campus.

The bandëƵs third release from 1983 featured infectious hits like ëƵThe Heart of Rock & Roll,ëƵ ëƵHeart and Soul,ëƵ ëƵI Want a New DrugëƵ and ëƵIf This Is It.ëƵ As a result of the success of the album and MTV videos, the San Francisco-based band became a household name.

Three years later, Huey Lewis and the News would release ëƵFore!ëƵ with signature tracks ëƵStuck with You,ëƵ ëƵDoing It All for My BabyëƵ and ëƵHip to Be Square,ëƵ sealing the bandëƵs ëƵ80s icon status.

ëƵWeatherëƵ is the bandëƵs first album of new material since 2001ëƵs ëƵPlan B.ëƵ Containing only seven tracks clocking in at just over 26 minutes, ëƵWeatherëƵ proves to be a nostalgic trip that is as short as it is sweet.

Lewis, who was diagnosed with an inner-ear disorder that causes hearing loss, sounds as strong as ever on likable numbers that effortlessly blend pop, soul and R&B.

ëƵLife is short/LetëƵs take advantage of every opportunity,ëƵ sings Lewis on the opener ëƵWhile WeëƵre Young,ëƵ reminding fans (and himself) that the music just might be coming to a close because of his deteriorating hearing condition.

Lewis is at his best on the toe-tapping ëƵHer Love Is KillinëƵ Me.ëƵ Traces of 1982ëƵs ëƵWorkin for a Livin'ëƵ can be heard on this mid-tempo number about a romantic relationship thatëƵs hard to maintain as the 69-year-old Lewis declares, ëƵAnd I ainëƵt but half the man I used to be/Her love is killing me.ëƵ

A Motown vibe is demonstrated on ëƵI Am There for You.ëƵ Lewis delivers a real charmer about always being there through the good times and the bad.

Fueled by a smooth bass groove and rousing horns, ëƵRemind Me Why I Love You AgainëƵ will certainly fill the dance floor, while ëƵPretty Girls EverywhereëƵ is flat-out fun to sing along to.

ëƵOne of the BoysëƵ ends the set with a country flavoring that finds Lewis reminiscing about the early days of his career. He closes on a positive note about his future when he proclaims, ëƵThough I ainëƵt getting any younger, IëƵm a long way from done.ëƵ

Clint Rhodes is the ëƵ-Standard music reviewer. He can be reached at clinton43@me.com.

CUSTOMER LOGIN

If you have an account and are registered for online access, sign in with your email address and password below.

NEW CUSTOMERS/UNREGISTERED ACCOUNTS

Never been a subscriber and want to subscribe, click the Subscribe button below.

Starting at /week.