Feargal Sharkey

by Mark AllanThe Irish singer's solo debut opens with a perfectly conceived and executed cover of Maria McKee's "A Good Heart" that deservedly shot to number one on the United Kingdom charts. You'd think the distinctive quavering voice was created to sing that one song. The former Undertones frontman has a shot at songwriting with producer David A. Stewart, but wisely borrows numbers by Chrissie Hynde, Benmont Tench, and the Womack brothers. Veteran Eurythmics producer and guitarist Stewart and arranger Michael Kamen provide a fitting R&B backdrop for the headliner, who would not reach these heights again.