Benson debut artists, Tuesday's Child, really aren't all that new. Linda Elias and Lesley Glassford each have released solo projects in the past, with some radio success. A while ago, however, solo demos for each woman ended up on producer Bill Baumgart's desk at Benson, and he brought up the possibility of a collaboration. The two women got together and decided that it would be a good idea.
The result is their self-titled debut that seeks to be radio-friendly pop meant to encourage the listener. It succeeds in that area, with several cuts likely to find a home on CHR radio.
The project kicks off with "That's The Kind Of Heart," and "Can You Imagine," two mid-tempo pop pieces that showcase the smooth vocals of Elias and Glassford. Producer Rick Elias (yes, it's her husband) recorded the vocals in lush layers, making for very easy listening.
Linda Elias wrote or co-wrote all of the tracks but one, "Pilgrims," which was written by her husband and Regie Hamm. She works with a host of others, including Glassford, Rick, Margaret Becker, and Michael Puryear, among others. Some of the songs are grounded in the experiences of motherhood (Elias has four kids, and Glassford, three), although the lessons that are articulated are universal. They talk about the value of friendship in "Count On Me:"
Can't believe the kind of day I'm having, think I'll call you, I know you'll understand. Phones ringing, babies crying, I'm going crazy, I just need someone to hold my hand. Sister, if the weight is just too heavy to carry Don't hesitate to call, I'm standing near You can count on me, what ever you need, I will be there.
"Pilgrims" is a beautiful ballad that is a likely single. Bob Carlisle adds a touch of soulfulness with his backing vocals as they sing:
When I was young I sang a song of tall ships called to sea, And I wondered then if the day would come when their bells would toll for me. They were pilgrims bound for a distant shore, As they put their shoulder to the oar. As they raised their sails for the great unknown, They'd begun their long journey home...
We are pilgrims born for a distant shore, As we put the shoulder to the oar. Let us raise our sails for the great unknown And together we'll find our way home.
Fans of Wilson Phillips, Point of Grace, and other vocally-luxuriant pop artists will like Tuesday's Child. These two women will likely be around for a while-they have the sound that radio likes.
