Scott Grimes
You want to root for Grimes, you really do, because the guy starts so far in the hole. He steps into the box with two strikes against him. First of all, at 17, he's another of the rapidly multiplying pop music teen brigade—the most insidious danger now facing this nation. Secondly, he's another minor TV personality trying to make the transition to singing—that is if you consider Charles in Charge a TV show.
At first crack, it seems as if Grimes may have a chance at overcoming these obstacles with "You're the Voice," a rock anthem slickly produced by Richard Carpenter and label chairman Herb Alpert. Other than that promising start (and "I Don't Even Mind," a passable pop pastry), it's bar the door, Katie, and break out the Pepto-Bismol. Here come the stupid covers (Carole King's "You've Got a Friend"), the simpy ballads ("Show Me the Way to Your Heart") and the bubble-gum twaddle ("Walkin' on the Water"). Grimes has decent range, most of it above high C. His tonality is fairly smooth, and his delivery spirited, but he sells himself much, much too hard. (There's a difference, Scottso, between being expressive and being manic.) The overall effect, though, is a lot like your little brother singing along to a DeBarge or Rush record. In case you don't already get enough of that at home, heeere's Scotty. (A & M)
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