"Sugar Man" leads off
Keith's follow-up to his debut album. Written by
Sandy Linzer and
Denny Rendell, producer
Jerry Ross seems to be pulling out all the stops.
Out of Crank is a good
Keith record, but not as strong as the album that preceded it, nor as listenable as his highly experimental
The Adventures of Keith that followed this release. "Candy" feels like his hit "98.6" with a bit of show tune flavor. "Easy As Pie" also has that "98.6" vibe, producer
Ross knowing a good thing and clearly trying to capitalize on earlier success. The cover of
Spanky & Our Gang's "Making Every Minute Count" doesn't have the strength of the hit version, also on Mercury.
Keith has a radio-friendly voice for pop, and he had enough edge to keep him from falling into the
Brian Hyland/
Tommy Roe zone of teeny bop. The Renzetti/
Ross "There's Always Tomorrow" is one of the highlights, as is "Daylight Savin' Time,"
Ross knowing how to write a good hook. The verses are distinct enough but the chorus is pure "98.6." When you talk about typecasting, this album is a perfect example. Still, the sequel to
Keith's biggest hit is great, albeit blatant. "Times Gone By" is a pleasant departure, co-written by
Ross/Gamble, the team that composed
Bobby Hebb's "You Don't Know What You Got Until You Lose It."
Keith's own "Happy Walking Around" is his first original to show up on either this or the earlier recording, and it is the most innovative thing on this disc, a good indication of the substantial path he would set out on. "Be My Girl" by
Spector/Sands is in the same style as the rest of this album, very pop, and nothing to be ashamed of. ~ Joe Viglione