Eric Bazilian

Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter Eric Bazilian (best known for penning Joan Osborne's seminal "One of Us") seems to clearly remember what it's like to be an alienated pre-adult. The pleasing assortment of songs on his self-produced solo debut, The Optimist, attest to this. Tracks such as the sullen "Kid From Outer Space," the lightly comical "Driving in England," and the very pretty "Until You Dare" are a few such gems, reminiscent of radio-friendly pop/rock from the late '80s and early '90s. The rest of this album falls along similar, non-threatening lines, never veering from the middle-of-the road path Bazilian paved for other artists from Billie Myers to Amanda Marshall and the Hooters. It stands to reason -- if the formula worked for them, why not for the craftsman himself? With a graceful and uncomplicated approach, eschewing major labels and going the self-released route is apparently the biggest risk Eric Bazilian takes with this easy to like recording. ~ Roxanne Blanford, All Music Guide