Robbie Rivera
Back to Zero
Juicy Records

Robbie Rovera’s latest effort takes more than one listen to get into, but ultimately is worth the time. The CD starts off with the song Aye Aye Aye, which is a weak attempt at a Hip Hop Diva-esque anthem whose course of “Aye Aye Aye” in the end fails provide the catchy hook it goes for. Other lackluster tracks include New Direction, Say You Know Me, Move Move and Till We Meet Again. All of these songs rely on the same beat, and don’t mesh well with the big voiced and ethereal cuts that make up the rest of the album.

The standout would have to be the current single, Back to Zero. The sad, haunting lyrics perfectly align themselves with a beat that gorgeously treads the line of excited energy and melancholy. Many of the tracks follow in the same vein of all encompassing house tracks that resonate with a sadness that often becomes beautiful. Say You Know me is one of these tracks where the protagonist wants to move on from her failed relationship, but seems haunted by her past. Whereas, In Too Deep and Be Near become the sort of standard, upbeat house anthems that would fit perfectly onto a Ministry of Sound Funky House Sessions Album.

“Back to Zero” is a 2-disc album, but the second disc seems to be mostly a packaging tact. The entire first CD gets the remix treament on the second, but none of the tracks stand out aside from the Sunset Mix o Back to Zero. All in all, the CD is evenly split between great and bad tracks. Wait for the song to be available on iTunes and purchase just the tracks you like.