Perfect Fit

by Mike DeGagne Although Falling in Love/Perfect Fit failed to chart, some good eventually came out of it for Frankie Miller, with the blues-rock breeziness of "Darlin'" ultimately finding its way into the U.K. Top Ten. But with a renowned group of session men helping him out, the album's brisk pop/rock enthusiasm does extend beyond its only hit. With help from Paul Carrack, Tim Renwick (Quiver, Procol Harum), and drummer Chris Slade (Manfred Mann's Earth Band, the Firm), the songs eventually emerge into an entertaining set of some of Miller's best tunes, with the bulk of the energy coming from his vocal brusqueness and Rod Stewart-like charm. He covers Bob Marley's "Is This Love" with surprising results, while even some rather commonplace singer/songwriter fare like "Good to See You" and "Falling in Love With You" is bettered by Miller's dressy Brit-pop singing style. "When I'm Away From You" is easily one of his best songs, later becoming a hit for the Bellamy Brothers and covered by Kim Carnes, whose vocal coarseness is not unlike Miller's. Miller's material seems to be more attractive and entertaining 20 years after its initial release, mainly because his stripped-down style and simplistic pop/rock expression has long since expired along with the likes of Joe Cocker and Rod Stewart, giving it a revitalized feel. Falling in Love/Perfect Fit has been released under different titles and track sequences, but Repertoire's revival of the Frankie Miller catalog has included a bonus track on the CD in the form of Holland-Dozier-Holland's "Something About You," which was included on the U.S. release of the album.