The son of well known veteran rocker Randy Bachman stands on his own for his debut, a romantically inspired story put to a rock and pop backdrop that proves his Dad isn't the only musical talent in the family. Don't get the idea that this is another ride through yesterday or The Guess Who revisited, because it's a far cry to be certain. However, to use a cliché, if I may, Tal does "take care of business" but does so in his own way. You could easily get the idea that this is a man who's spent a lot of time viewing daytime soaps as about 7/10's of the songs on his self-titled release could well be used for love scene "bed" music in any one of the mid-afternoon dramas. "Darker Side of Blue" and "She's So High," probably couldn't however, as they pump out a rush of rock guitar before the Canadian crooner really lets his emotions fly. Not that they weren't emotionally written and played earlier, but it's his softer side that peeks mainly throughout here that tells the real story.

To say this is an album of personal magnitude would be an understatement as it is as genuflective as a storybook love affair. Possessing a maturity probably not yet befitting of his years, Bachman's music is both soft, sincere yet at times nbridled, with little trace of moody angst to offset the latter, his deep lyrics and charming melodies should provide him a steady rolling flow into the stream of the AOR charts with little resistance.

Much like a late model Brian Adams, whom he also bears some resemblance to, Tal's knack for sincerity and artistic growth would appear to be a little too grown up for modern appeal. Worth mentioning here however, after continually putting us in a subtle mood as we reminisce about good times and a pleasant future calling, we're suddenly rocked out of our chair by the time the surprising "Looks Like Rain" crashes down upon us with the heavy electric strumming of a vintage Who piece. The song comes our way with an equally sudden surge of edgy lyrics, offsetting the pace slightly before returning to the retreat where he's obviously grown most comfortable. Bachman has his moments where he'll range above his joyful intentions at an odd moment like before, but not often.

Produced by a big name in rock circles, "Bob" Rock, this appears as one of those records that on the outside, won't be truly appreciated until its had enough time to age, much like a fine wine. It simply possesses too much class.