Barone returned after a three-year hiatus following 1990's
Primal Dream and the time away was apparently well spent.
Clouds Over Eden is a pleasant offering that harkens back to the Beatle-esque pop of
the Bongos more than his previous effort. The material is stronger and Hugh Jones' sparse production complements the album's organic feel.
Barone also benefits from some outside help like
Jules Shear's music,
Nicky Holland's string arrangement on the elegant "Miss Jean" and
Jill Sobule's singing and guitar playing on the loose jam "Waiting for the Train." Other high points are the ghostly twang guitars of "Forbidden," the paisley-tinged title track, and the uptempo, 12-string chime of "Nobody Knows Me." And just when you think this wispy album will vanish into thin air,
Barone closes things out with the subtle funk underpinning of the enjoyable romp "Law of the Jungle." Overall,
Clouds Over Eden is a solid collection of singing and songwriting that leaves you longing for more. ~ Tom Demalon