Glow finds Richard Barone collaborating with Paul Williams, Jill Sobule, and producer Tony Visconti on a collection that explores gorgeous George Harrison-esque compositions, and interprets a classic glam-rock cover while showcasing Barone’s own singular talents. It also finds him using Gibson’s Digital Les Paul guitar, a state-of-the-art instrument which can record each string on individual tracks.
The opening song “Gravity’s Pull” features the lush, chiming guitar and stirring vocals for which Barone is best known. The title track recalls ’70s era Harrison (think “Blow Away”), with its easy, uplifting lyrics and ringing guitar solo. “Girl”, an intriguing and unexpectedly experimental arrangement of the 1971 T Rex tune, absolutely enthralls. I don’t usually appreciate people messing with Marc Bolan, but Barone is, after all, the guy who recorded my favorite version of “I’ll Be Your Mirror” on 1990’s Primal Dream. If he could do that to Lou Reed, it’s no surprise that I think even Bolan would be impressed with this track! Another highlight is “Silence is Our Song”, which was co-written with Williams (who wrote “We’ve Only Just Begun” and many other pop gems).
Glow is simply enchanting. That will be no surprise for long time fans of Barone, but it is sure to draw new listeners like moths to a flame.