Felix Cavaliere - Felix Cavaliere + Destiny (2012)

Felix Cavaliere is lead vocal in those amazing "Young Rascals" and "The Rascals" mega-hits from the fabulous musical sixties on through to early seventies...first solo effort self-titled "Felix Cavaliere" is a fantastic collection co-produced by Todd Rundgren featuring Utopia, amazing there were not chart-topping mega-hits and multiple Grammy Awards, guess brain-dead radio had no idea to program this amazing singer and sadly appeared music industry didn't have a clue who this awesome singer was at the time...leaving "The Rascals" seemed the name Felix Cavaliere didn't ring a bell, yet for hard-core fans it did and big time! This awesome singer is beautifully showcased in a wonderful collection of self-penned gems, sung with his usual soulful passion amazing "Felix Cavaliere" didn't propel this fantastic lead singer to Superstar status as a solo artist...listening to these wonderous songs, many have the sound of a huge hit and had radio played this stellar collection clearly this would have happened! Would be interesting to hear original mix of this highly listenable album before Todd Rundgren deleted rhythm tracks probably having more of a funky R&B edge, adding his own Utopia bandmates with a decided rock-edge, original mix by Felix himself could have been version that would have clicked, hopefully this original Felix version is still around and will see the light of day while audience who enjoy this great music is still around! Second solo project "Destiny" is an appealing mix of soulful songs with "Flip Flop" a funky gem if promoted would have easily been a chart-topper with its interesting rhythm changes while "Never Felt Love Before" has the sound of a major pop hit...some of the instrumental mix is heavy string laden & would have been better to have Felix passionate vocals more up front, use of equalizer bringing out lead vocal is needed to really feel & hear this great singer. Urgency of Felix Cavaliere amazing vocals has always been the major appeal of his classic performances on numerous hits, no need of loud twangy guitars and heavy string laden arrangements, that aside after a few listens it is apparent the singer is in fine form. "Can't Stop Loving You" is a "Quiet Storm" gem highlighted by smooth David Sanborn sublime sax rifts while "Try To Believe" is a smooth rocker. "Love Came" a funky soulful jam showcasing classic Felix vocal featuring that edgy urgent sound making for another classic gem from the great singer. All in all "Destiny" is a winning collection of rocking & soulful songs from the legendary Felix Cavaliere and this collection of his first two solo projects is a must-have for fans of classic pop & soul music of this great era...Bravo Felix!