Steven Page (The Vanity Project) - The Vanity Project (2005)

THE VANITY PROJECT is a self-titled album of twelve songs from Barenaked Ladies lead singer and co-founder, Steven Page. The album also spotlights Page's frequent co-writing partner and musical accomplice, Stephen Duffy (Tin Tin, The Lilac Time.) Eleven of the twelve songs are Page-Duffy compositions, and the twelfth (So. Cal) is written solely by Steven Page. While the distinctive lead vocals of Page can be heard on all twelve tracks, the music was performed by both Page and Duffy with occasional guest appearances from friends (BNL's Kevin Hearn) and family (Page's brother, Matthew, and wife, Carolyn.)

With The Vanity Project Barenaked Ladies' co-founder Steven Page makes a noble attempt to disassociate himself from the word "cheeky," and almost manages to pull it off. Where it works, it works spectacularly. The first single "That's All, That's All" showcases his unmistakably boffo voice with a snappy Beatlesque tune, resisting triteness by way of graceful, lovelorn lyrics. "Wilted Rose" returns him to his native Canada in several verses for some sharp-witted political commentary that sits well with his straightforward, intelligent delivery. "So Cal" sends us back to good ole classic-pop school where Phil Spector and Brian Wilson preside behind the lectern. Binding these songs is an honest, cameras-off stab at introspection. You can credit collaborator Stephen Duffy, who co-wrote 11 of the 12 songs, with steering the lyrics in a likeably intimate direction. And credit Page himself for recognizing the time has come to redirect his considerable skills into music more mature and substantial. Barenaked Ladies may be endlessly appealing, but they too have their limits. --Tammy La Gorce