Deborah

by Stephen Thomas ErlewineAfter a brief flirtation with both alternative rock and adult contemporary balladeering, Debbie Gibson decided it was time to return to her pop roots with her sixth album. The only difference is, this time she's in control. Forming her own label, Espiritu, and billing herself as Deborah Gibson (evidently to convey that she is indeed mature), she turns in a surprisingly winning effort with Deborah. Although the record still suffers from inconsistent material, it's nice to hear her play dance-pop again, and her ballads are generally more melodic and memorable than those on Think With Your Heart. It may not be a commercial success on the level of Out of the Blue, but Deborah is a considerable artistic comeback.