VAYA CON DIOS
TIME FLIES

THE REVIEW

A Belgian group, but where is Belgium musically? When you listen to Vaya con Dios (Go with God) you'll get an idea. Actually, more than a group, they are artists supporting the unparalleled voice of Dani Klein, never heard? I understand, but in the second half of the '80s, it also gained quite a following in Italy, influenced by the success of this album in Switzerland and Austria where it topped the sales charts. And not by chance.

So let's put "Time Flies" on the turntable and we're immediately captivated by Dani Klein's unmistakable, powerful, yet seductive voice, excellently accompanied by the rest of the band: Dirk Schoufs and Willy Lambregt, along with a handful of supporting vocalists. Difficult to categorize the genre, I might venture a rock-blues, even though the title track has more of the pace of a ballad with an excellent guitar riff, then moving to the more identifiable "Forever Blue" consistent with the title and surrounded by a prominent harmonica interlude. Definitely more rock is the "Farewell Song" where Dani's rounded voice stands out, well accompanied by the usual guitar riff, as well as "So long ago". More pop is "Still a Man", while with "Heading for a Fall" we decidedly return to a pace where Dani's voice hovers. We then move to the driving rock of "Mothers and Daughters" and continue through alternating genres until the most significant pop piece "For You", arriving at the decidedly more rocking "Brave Jane". A fairly drinkable closing piece, but after all, no one is perfect.

From a musical standpoint, "Time Flies" is probably inferior to the group's first release, or rather more predictable than "Vaya con Dios", however, representing their greatest success, I can generously venture 4 stars. Unfortunately, perhaps overwhelmed by such sales, poor Dirk Schoufs passes away, leaving Dani alone and the group destined for a quick decline, even though our heroine, whose notable virtues shine even from the cover, will persist undaunted for several years amidst varied fortunes.

A pleasant record, not one to lose your head over.