Fridae

"Renaissance" refers to a rebirth or revival. In this case, it is the revival of Lionel Richie's career that has spanned more than three decades. He has weathered the eighties and the Gay Nineties, and is now making his mark in the new millennium. The question though is whether he will succeed this time or fail miserably as he did in the nineties.

Initially, I had a hard time finding Renaissance in the store. The problem was that nobody knew who Lionel Richie was anymore-"Lionel who?" they said. I flipped out since that was an implication that I was way too old to know what's hip and what's not in pop music. "Screw you," I said. "I'll look for it myself."

Remember a few years back when Lionel released Louder Than Words and Time? You don't? My point exactly-those "comeback" albums sought to attract his old fan base, which had forgotten him years ago. The Lionel Richie everyone knew had us all grooving to "All Night Long" and "Dancing On The Ceiling" and also sobbing to "Hello", "Truly", and "Say You, Say Me".

Renaissance though, sees Lionel finding a new audience with its contemporary flavor. The first single off the album, "Angel", follows the same recipe that made Cher and Tom Jones haunt us again for the second time-by creating a palatable dance floor hit. Other dance floor candidates include "Here Is My Heart" and "Don't Stop The Music". Of course there are ample ballads-Lionel Ritchie style-such as "Tender Heart", "How Long" and "Piece of My Heart".

If you're looking for the old Lionel Richie, forget it�he's gone. Spend your money on porn DVDs instead. Renaissance will only appeal to you if you care to see what he has morphed into.