Critic's Review
Kelvin Hayes, All Music Guide
Kingsbery's debut is as impressive as his finale with old band Cock Robin. Okay, there's no Anna LaCazio, a shame, but life goes on and it certainly goes on here. Opening with the zany "Do a Dance," the shuffle of the title track, the horny "What You Are," and "Helene" (which doubtlessly went down a storm with his French fanbase). The tall Texan with the high forehead proceeds with his Daryl Hall hat on for "Five Fingers" and the lovely "Love in Motion" (not the Icehouse song). "Real Blood Anger" showcases his ability as white soul boy; Prince in his day could do no better with the sparse arrangements, deep moans, high falsetto, and lots of rhythm. A cover of Felix Cavelier's "How Can I Be Sure" disjoints the album slightly, but "The Hand That Feeds" puts it firmly back on track. The closing part of "A Different Man" begins with "Makes No Sense at All," suggesting Kingsbery may have visited the Rai bars of Paris; "The Sublime" harks at a possible fascination with the seedy poet Charles Bukowski, with lyrics such as "Like an x-rated picture/I never quite understood/an afternoon's pleasure/that really might do me good." Finally, there is "Caesar," which again offers blinding vocal acrobatics coupled with obscure lyrics. Kingsbery is brown-eyed soul, funk, pop, and rock with IQ; in other words, he's too intellectual for his own good, but good is outstanding in the realm of PK.
