Compression
Billy Sheehan shone as the bassist forDavid Lee Rothand balladic rockersMr. Big. Now solo and working with the equally talented likes of guitarist and former Roth bandmateSteve VaiandMissing Personsdrummer Terry Bozzio, Sheehan shows the full breadth of his musical personality.Compressionis mostly a true solo effort with Sheehan more than adeptly handling all instrumentation. Thankfully, though, it's never self-indulgent; Sheehan's songwriting and vocal chops are impressive. Fans of the progressive but melodic bandKing's Xwill dig Sheehan's fluid, flawless playing and memorable melodies and will find much to like in surprisingly commercial, bluesy songs like "Something's Gotta Give." This is a consistent and illustrious debut.--Katherine Turman