WILSON, RAY „Change”

I was checking into Ray Wilson through Allmusic.com as I’ve never heard of the guy before where I found out one time back in the mid- ‘90s a song featuring his vocals was used on a Levi jeans commercial. The group was Stiltskin and the song was ‘Inside’. Stiltskin later disbanded after one release THE MINDS EYE (1995), soon after Ray Wilson later auditioned for Genesis as Phil Collins’ replacement; he got the job because his voice sounded like Peter Gabriel. One CD with Genesis CALLING ALL STATIONS (1997) led to a subsequent tour in America, but the world tour was cancelled due to poor support in the States and Wilson was let go. A history with Genesis merges into soft Adult Contemporary music so be forewarned.

At this point of the text, I have yet to hear a note of the actual CD, so I decided to put it in my CD turntable and after a short 26 second intro, Scottish singer Ray Wilson leads off his 2003 CD CHANGE with ‘Goodbye Baby Blue’. The track is an acoustic ballad and it demonstrates the music of Ray Wilson harnessing a softer, chill- lounge style. Song after song shows the same, soft, acoustic rock style which is fairly enjoyable and the backing female vocals from Amanda Lyon, which are added in at times, often add a nice touch. Yes, the music is refreshing and there are numerous signs of heart and emotion added into every song.

Numerous reviewers have been relating Ray Wilson to Bryan Adams, which is fair enough. But I honestly feel Adams rocks harder than Ray Wilson although this might appeal to the same Bryan Adams crowd. However, unlike Adams, Ray Wilson primarily deals with acoustic and not electric music – although there are some electrical guitars thrown into the scheme on CHANGE at times. Keeps in mind that CHANGE in no way competes in terms of heaviness with the all-out rock festival of WAKING UP THE NEIGHBOURS from Bryan Adams. But if you are interested in a softer affair, check into this release.