The Secret play a relaxed & tuneful style of Brit-flavored Soft Rock on their fine new release, "Fool and His Amazing Wasted Life." At times recalling '70's bands like The Bee Gees and Sutherland Brothers (or the Joey Molland-led Badfinger) – albeit, sometimes with more '80's-style production values, the 13-track collection is brimming with solid hooks engagingly delivered in singer Frank Paquette's decidedly throaty, Mark Knopfler-meets-Leonard Cohen voice. Among highlights, "What About Us" is a nice straightforward pop-rock tune; "Change of Heart" is a soulful bit of California-inspired pop with lush synth-pop backing; and "More Than Love" continues the California influence, opening with beach sounds before segueing into an Adult Contemporary ballad worthy of Air Supply. Elsewhere, The Secret takes some musical chances, dabbling in rap ("Girls In The Project") & 70's, gospel-like disco ("Somehow I Know"), illustrating the range of musicality this band of rock vets bring to the table. What ultimately makes The Secret's "Fool and His Amazing Wasted Life" release, though, are subtle & insinuating melodies that sneak up on you & linger well after a song has finished, & that's no small accomplishment.
-Rice B. & the RadioIndy.com Reviewer Team
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