Sex And Travel

Album Review

Sex & Travel, their sophomore release, takes the "everything but the kitchen sink" approach of their debut and builds upon it. Instead of offering an album full of "I'm Too Sexy" sound-alikes (although "Sunshine Sex Drive" sounds a little like a half-hearted attempt to funk up that formula), the Freds offer more great pop music that's easy to dance to. "Hands Up for Lovers," the album's opener, is a glorious singalong that will stick in your head for weeks, if not years. Those looking for RSF dance classics don't need to look any further than "It's Not the Way," "We Live a Life," and "Turn Me On" to fill up the dancefloor. "She's My Mrs.," "Rocket Town," and the brilliant "I Ain't Stupid" are pure ear candy for those who don't like to dance. "Back to You" is a wistful ballad, the Freds' most touching recording yet. Only the single "Bumped" and "Sunshine Sex Drive" don't deliver the goods here. Although this is not a better album than their debut, Up, it is certainly its equal and not at all a victim of the dreaded sophomore slump — although sales proved otherwise. Although the Freds left their label after this release, their story was far from over as their best albums were yet to come ~ Steve "Spaz" Schnee, Rovi