That Sherry girl really gets around. Twenty-two years ago she gave the Four Seasons their first hit
(Sherry), then she was a sweetie - complete with a nagging pain-in-the-rump mother - for Bruce Springsteen
(Sherry Darling) and now, with a spelling change, she's a hit for Journey's Steve Perry.
The hit, of course, is Oh Sherrie, sturdy rock with an easy beat, and it's from Perry's first solo album, Street Talk
(Columbia FC 39334). Don't expect a Journey sound, however, there's a far funkier beat to Street Talk
than Journey's ever offered, and the overall instrumentation isn't as full as Journey's.
Don't expect much tough "street talk," either. Love's problems - it's not working out; it's unrequited;
it's threatened by old flames of both genders - are the major theme of the very direct lyrics, all of which Perry co-wrote.
And don't expect much in the way of rampaging rock 'n' roll. Perry's tack largely is easier-beat
rock and ballads, perhaps because his voice is huskier than usual and showing signs of strain.
Oh Sherrie and I Believe, very much like Jackie Wilson's Higher and Higher but a shade slower, are the best numbers.
It's Only Love and You Should Be Happy rock out some and punchy beat Strung Out would be better if it did so more.
Yes, Street Talk is pretty much standard fare with little substance, "corporate rock" to you cynics. So is Journey.
But, like Journey's albums, it's well-done standard fare.
