Where does one start when it comes to the genius that is Richard Marx, seriously I am in total awe of the man. You may mock his 80's era mullet but take a look at photos of yourself from that era... and I bet most of you will have been sporting the 'in' haircut for the time! Hell I know I was! Anyway enough with the hairstyles and back to what we are all here for - the music, and believe me Richard is up with the gods when it comes to music!

To many people Richard disappeared during the late nineties and noughties, but for me, the guy was still producing and releasing quality music - albeit on much a lower profile compared to his early work (especially over here in Europe). However during the last two years he has toured here and released a semi acoustic/greatest hits album in 'Stories To Tell', which to this day never goes a week without a spin in the car. Luckily for us he has now signed a deal with Frontiers Records to release this CD compilation of 4 new unreleased tunes bolstered by selected tracks from 2008's 'Emotional Remains' and 'Sundown' album which were previously digital releases only.

Opening proceedings then is 'Had Enough' which was co-written by Chris Daughtry (who also had a hand writing 'On The Inside'), which is a moody opener but nonetheless a great way to open the record. Up next is lead single 'Wouldn't Let Me Love You' this song would be a sure fire hit if it was released by the aforementioned Daughtry, Three Doors Down or even Train. Seriously Richard has proven time and time again he certainly knows how to write hit songs. As with all his songs, the emotion dripping from his voice is testament to his talent. As a world renowned "balladeer" Richard next gives us 'Like Heaven' which for me the intro and verse doesn't quite sit right (perhaps it's just a bit too waltzy and not enough schmaltzy), but oh boy the chorus is fantastic, so for this reason alone, I only "like" this song. 'On The Inside' is a great song and another potential hit. This guy has so much talent that it just oozes out of him and into the form of great songs.

Up next is the first song from 'Emotional Remains' - the amazing 'Through My Veins' taken out of context from it's original release, the song sounds even better than before! Thanks to Frontiers Records, everyone will now be able to check out these amazing songs! 'Always On My Mind' follows this, which thankfully is not a cover of the Elvis song, nah this tune was co-written with Matt Scannel (Vertical Horizon) and first appeared on the 'Sundown' album. In 2008 Richard and Matt toured the US with their 'Duo' shows and album, which would feature songs from both artist's repertoire... and songs that they eventually wrote together. Again this is a must have release for lovers of great music! Anyway back to the song, it has hit written through it like a stick of rock.

'Loved' is also from the 'Sundown' release and this song sends shivers down my spine just like it always has - I love this song!

Now for me this is where the album gets interesting, the next song is 'Come Running' which has a funky little riff that grooves along like a dream. Again this is from 'Emotional Remains' and whilst it fits the original release it does stand out a bit here with its Prince-like beats but it only further proves Richard's hugely diverse musical talents. Now it's time for the song of the album, 'All Over Me', which is a powerpop gem! Seriously for fans of 40ft Ringo, American Hi-Fi and the like - this song is for you. It's so infectious! 'Scars' meanwhile is another funk workout (you may also know this track from Philip Sayce's excellent 'Innerevolution' album), which again is good, and a nice little mood change.

The last trio of songs are from 'Emotional Remains' and run in such a way that whilst I still hear them in their original order, there is still no denying the quality in them! Richard Marx is simply one of the best singer songwriters that has ever graced this earth and 'Inside My Head' is true testimony to his greatness! (This package actually comes with a second 'Greatest Hits' disc that further reinforces this, but rather bizarrely we haven't been sent this disc to review - ho hum!)

As Tyla once said, the music he writes is "Soft Music for Hard People", the same can pretty much be said for Mr Marx and his fine body of musical output - now go get inside his head.

http://www.richardmarx.com/

To pick up your copy of 'Inside My Head' - CLICK HERE