What I Meant To Say CD

Donny Osmond tends to take his time between solo records. It wasn't until 1989 that the former teen idol released his first album as an adult, DONNY OSMOND, narrowly missing a Number One hit with the dance-pop tune "Soldier of Love." After a lukewarm follow-up, Osmond focused on a successful Broadway career, which included a long run in the title role of JOSEPH & THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.

It wasn't until 2005 that Osmond would release another album of his own material (in the meantime, he released two covers records--one featuring Broadway showtunes, one consisting of adult-contemporary pop songs). WHAT I MEANT TO SAY incorporates Osmond's stage training into a style that lies somewhere between Rod Stewart and N Sync. The focus here is on ballads, which proves to be fitting for Osmond's dulcet voice. "Breeze On By," a surprise UK hit, typifies the record with its lushly produced, soulful feel. One of two covers, his take on Burt Bacharach/Hal David's "This Guy's in Love With You, " with its serenely soft delivery, is a true highlight of this sweet, lighthearted album.

Photographer: Jeff Katz.

Personnel: Donny Osmond (background vocals); Donny Osmond (vocals); Eliot Kennedy (guitar, keyboards, bass instrument, programming); Eliot Kennedy (guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, programming); Tom Hopkins, Jean-Félix Lalanne, Tom Hopkins (guitar); Steve Beighton (lute, flute, saxophone); Edmund Collins, Ed Collins (trumpet, flugelhorn); Jim Brickman (piano); Ryan Carline (keyboards, programming); Paul Peterson (Moog synthesizer); Ami Richardson, Ami Richardson (background vocals); Cary Baylis (guitar); Ronne Christlow (trombone); Gary Barlow (keyboards, programming).

Audio Mixer: Robbie Adams.