Figure in a Landscape

Should John Waite release an album called Nine Lives? After the Babys, "Missing You," Bad English, and even the theme from About Last Night..., he could do it with a straight face. Figure in a Landscape finds him occupied with a meld of sound and concerns that could be Del Amitri fronted by a chastened divorcee. Though obviously heartfelt songs like "Keys to Your Heart" and "Whenever You Come Around" won't hit you with surprises, they might connect depending on your own situation. What impresses is how good Waite's familiar voice sounds in this stripped-down setting. With some luck, "Always Be Your Man" could even be a hit on those adult-contemporary stations that find room for the occasional acoustic-based, mid-tempo rocker. Waite doesn't have a masterpiece on his hands, but Rod Stewart would be proud to put his name on so much apparent truth at this stage of the game. --Rickey Wright