Search - Jeff Krassner :: Maybe

A new and danceable side of Jeff Krassner

David L. McDaniel | Champaign, IL United States | 11/06/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Jeff Krassner's sophomore effort leaves behind the smoky blue-eyed soul of his debut, "Strong For You," and makes a bee-line for the dance floor. Fortunately, that doesn't mean a subsequent drop in IQ or songwriting quality, which remain as strong as ever. "Maybe" opens with the title track, arguably the most infectious cut on the album (it also appears on the soundtrack to Fine Line's film "trick," and is the best track on that CD as well). "Maybe (Love'll Make Sense To Me)" balances its rather exasperated view of love and relationships with a driving beat and clean, sparkling arrangement. Krassner and producer Shane Faber continue that uncluttered and spritely sound through all 10 cuts, slowing down only three times to let listeners catch their breath. Krassner growls with sexy energy on "If It's Love;" turns tender and gentle with "What Would You Do;" and walks the fine line between melancholy and optimism with "Only The Love," simply beautiful in both lyric and melody.The only mis-step -- and it's a small one -- is the Pound Boys Club Mix of "Maybe" that closes the CD, a house-flavored remix that lacks the charm and class of the original version. Kudos go to Krassner's back-up ladies, Carol Addison (also heard on Krassner's debut CD), and Crystal Henderson; in turn sassy and brassy, or mellow and smooth, they're eminently versatile and mesh perfectly with Krassner's powerful tenor.Jeff has nimbly side-stepped the "sophomore curse," and fans of "Strong For You" should welcome this new and danceable side of Jeff's artistry into their musical library."