Bob Welch French Kiss CD

Bob Welch's debut album saw him cash in on three Top 40 singles, refurbishing the romantic "Sentimental Lady" (originally from Fleetwood Mac's Bare Trees album) and taking it to number eight on the charts, with radio-tailored efforts like "Ebony Eyes" and "Hot Love, Cold World" following right behind. With not much success coming from Welch's short stint with his own Paris project, he decided to hire Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, and Christine McVie to help him out with his first solo venture. Spotlighting Welch's vocal powderiness, French Kiss ends up being a bunch of approachable soft pop tunes that display enough eager guitar work to keep them afloat. Presenting a sturdy feel for Welch on his own, tracks like "Easy to Fall," "Carolene," and "Lose My Heart" are equivalent to the hits in their familiar '70s rock formula, but cuts like "Dancin' Eyes" and "Danchiva" find Welch running out of room. Two years later, Welch released his second album, entitled Three Hearts, which gave him his last Top 40 hit with "Precious Love," but the album itself is noticeably weaker and less enthusiastic sounding than his first. ~ Mike DeGagne

Originally released on Capitol (11683).

Engineers: Warren Dewy, Richard Dashut, Ken Cailat.

Personnel: Bob Welch (vocals, guitar, bass); Lindsey Buckingham (guitar, background vocals); Christine McVie (keyboards, background vocals); Mick Fleetwood, Alvin Taylor (drums).

Producers: Carter, Lindsey Buckingham, Christine McVie.