Solo turns by Nick & Brian

The arrival of the first solo album of an artist is always an important event. It remains so until the public decides it is not, by staying away from the stores and then out comes a flop. It is even more important when the artist concerned is already a popular personality eager to impress the public with what he can do. Think actors turning singers or celebrities who cannot even sing, recording albums. Such is also the case with band members embarking on a solo career.

This is a tricky situation, more so in the case of boy bands, which are sold as single entities and primarily on the basis of the looks and girl appeal of the members. Nobody should begrudge them the opportunity to improve themselves and broaden their markets as soloists. On the other hand though, a solo career means that they will be leaving the secure environment of their bands, the members of which might also be their friends. Then there is also the question of whether their fans will accept them without the others.

There have been some successful breakaways of late, like Justin Timberlake of ‘N Sync, Robbie Williams of Take That and Ronan Keating of Boyzone. But while there are success stories like theirs, there are more ex-boy band members who have not been as fortunate. It is now time for us to find out to which category new solo artists Brian Littrel and Nick Lachey belong.

Just in case you have forgotten, Nick Lachey is a singer. Before he became the most visible bridegroom in the world, Lachey was one of the hunky, clean-cut members of 98 Degrees. I do not know what brought about the demise of the group. All I remember is seeing Nick assume the part of husband to pop star Jessica Simpson on MTV. Of course, as most of you already know, that role did not last. I do not know who ditched whom but Lachey is now playing another part, that of eligible bachelor. That is not all. Along with this major upheaval in his life, Nick has also decided to resume his singing career as a solo artist.

Now, I do not know whose idea it was but the title of Lachey’s album is What’s Left of Me. It is not far fetched to think that this was chosen to capitalize on his much-talked about divorce. He is no innocent as far as the ways of celebrity is concerned. But then, this might be how he really feels and to hell with those who think otherwise.

As expressed in the album, Lachey is broken-hearted. He is carrying a brightly-lit torch for his Daisy Duke-clad wife. Take note of the song titles, most of which he co-wrote: What’s Left of Me, I Can’t Hate You Anymore, On Your Own, Outside Looking In, Shades of Blue, Beautiful, Everywhere But Here, I Do It for You, Run to Me, Ghosts, You’re Not Alone, Resolution and Alone. But although he may be milking this divorce for whatever it is worth, I am happy to say that his singing still has what it takes to raise goose pimples with sentimental love songs.

Another guy with the right vocal chops is Brian Littrel. Is he the best singer among the Backstreet Boys? Maybe. At least his first solo album Welcome Home says so. Not only are his vocals full and lush, he also dares to sing ballads that require a lot of expression a cappella! You know how clever arrangements and all sorts of thingamajigs can be used to hide the inadequacies of most pop singers. Well, Brian does not resort to any of those here. Instead, he sings beautifully and from the heart.

Now if you think that, that is all this boy band star dares to do in his first solo outing, you are mistaken. Brian, who has the best pop songwriters at his disposal, chose to record an album of inspirational songs. I am sure that he knows that a pop CD by a Backstreet Boy has a higher market value than an album of Christian songs. Still, he chooses to do this, gives it the title Welcome Home as though he wants to say that here in this place of peace and prayer is where he truly belongs.

So while Lachey wallows in his heartbreak, Welcome Home by Brian shows us a man happy and content with life, his family, with everything and singing, "Thank you Lord." There is boy band heaven after all. Cuts include My Answer is You, Wish, Welcome Home (You), You Keep Givin’ Me, Gone Without Goodbye, I’m Alive, Over My Head, We Lift You Up, Grace of My Life, Angels and Heroes and Jesus Loves You.