Search - Daryl Braithwaite :: Six Moon: Best of 1988-1994

The Rise and Fall of Daryl Braithwaite

Greg Higgins | Sydney, Australia | 01/04/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Daryl I knew very well as lead singer of Aussie pop superstars Sherbet, who scored with an unbroken series of hits, mainly explosive bubblegum and dreamy ballads, during most of the 1970s. After the group's demise in 1984, Daryl faded into obscurity before re-claiming the spotlight as a solo artist in the late 80s/early 90s with a further 8 local Top 40 entries based on an updated, slick pop-rock sound. The best singles from his three solo albums during this period, plus three new tracks, are covered on `Six Moons'. The first song to prick up my ears in late '88 was `All I Do', a muscular pop tune with an explosive bridge section, where amidst crashing drums and stinging guitars Daryl's beautifully-controlled vocals fitted like a glove. In fact this whole collection is a showcase for the singer's superb voice, which was by this time nicely rich and matured, soaring effortlessly through those high notes; an attractive and distinctive style of a standard equal to adult contemporaries such as Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins and Don Henley. Check out the superbly produced cover of Rickie Lee Jones' `The Horses' featuring Margaret Urlich, where Daryl's falsetto caresses, yelps and sighs perfectly capture that depth of devotion from parent to child; or `One Summer', a breezy acoustic number with honey-smooth vocal gliding high, just right for a drive to the beach on a hot day. Other highlights are the gently-rocking `Nothing to Lose', the sunny acoustic-based `Sugar Train', and the uplifting light funk with rat-a-tat horn blasts of `Higher Than Hope', which placed just outside the US Top Fifty (as with Sherbet, Daryl found US success ever-elusive). This collection ends disappointingly with two tracks from the unsuccessful `Taste the Salt' album (`The World as it is' and Bruce Hornsby's `Barren Ground') which lack that enigmatic `hit' factor, then two new tracks, a cover of The Rascals' `How Can I Be Sure' and Tim Finn's `Blue Hills', which suffer from excessive, unflattering production. The final track `Escape From Reality', an attractive tune with a subdued lead vocal, is hijacked Star-is-Born style by backing singer, the uncredited, soon-to-be-huge Tina Arena. A sad, if sadly apt, way to finish the album and Daryl's stint with Columbia/Sony (he is yet to release a follow-up). While there are no major artistic or lyrical statements here, this is nevertheless a great collection of positive songs about faith and love with wide appeal and excellent vocal performances. Listen to this with Phil Collins' `Hits'. Ideal for sharing with the one you love !"

Daryl Braithwaite

1sherbet | Pensacola, Fl United States | 11/19/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an outstanding album! Just listen to the "Great voice of Daryl" song after song, and you'll know! His tallents should have been pushed more in the states threw the years. Sherbet, Sherbs, and Daryl. Unmatched tallent!"

Wonderful Collection

Helen Houghton | Australia | 03/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This album showcases The wonderful return of Daryl between 1988 and 1994. I love Blue Hills and Escape from Reality as well as Horses, One Summer and Higher than Hope and Don't Hold Back Your Love. I really enjoy everyone of the songs in this collection. This compilation should have gone straight to number one. This album proves that Daryl is one of Australia's best. I could gladly listen to this all day."