Jim Kerr Lostboy!
A.K.A.

LA RECENSIONE

Lostboy = Lost Boy?

Not at all, rather found.

And for the third time, since this album marks the third resurrection of Jim Kerr after the dismal '90s: "Black & White 050505", "Graffiti Soul", "Lostboy! A.K.A." Three miracles that speak of eternal inspiration still creating vibrations and thrills, seemingly far from fading, but indeed seeming to draw energy and strength from itself.

And Kerr's splendid form in his fifties, now free and solo, is already evident in the title, enigmatic as in his best albums (New Gold Dream '81 '82 '83 '84 for example). Here the author is the pseudonym Lostboy!, the title is A.K.A., an acronym mysteriously never mentioned in the lyrics of the 11 songs.

The first 3 tracks are the radio block, 3 pleasant and immediate pop-rock pieces. The following 4 tracks represent the "Simple" block. Pieces that could have fit perfectly in a "Graffiti Soul," perhaps already composed for the occasion then sacrificed, but nonetheless arranged splendidly as usual. Outstanding among them is "Remember Asia", with tight rhythms and guitar riffs everywhere. Next are three tracks where the author unleashes his new freedom with unusual solutions for a Simple Mind, among which "Nail Thru My Heart" stands out, an experimental piece with two short and overwhelming choruses that emerge violently from a tangle of synth sounds.

The album's poignant finale is "The Wait Parts I + II". The first part is introspective and tense, the second part opens in a broad chorus in the best Minds tradition, reminiscent of the ending of "Alive & Kicking".

And how could we miss three bonus tracks, magically arranged pieces between experimentation and the experience of a seasoned composer? As if to say: take that, depletion of creativity, an epidemic ailment of old songwriters.

And now, how do we stop this "boy"?