A Righteous Turn for Bill Medley : BILL MEDLEY “Almost Home” Rocktopia (***)

Medley is a one-of-a-kind singer, but with “Almost Home,” his first album of Christian music, the taller, darker, deeper-voiced half of the Righteous Brothers steps forward as a songwriter as well. Of the 11 tracks on the album, six are Medley originals--some dating to the 1960s.

An album of gospel music is a natural for Medley, given his authoritative, grainy baritone and his long-standing immersion in the soul and R&B; traditions that rose out of gospel. Along with the talent and stylistic familiarity to pull off religious material, Medley brings a simplicity and directness of expression that are perfect for his purpose.

“Almost Home” is very low on vocal showboating and very high on sincerity and personal involvement as Orange County’s most famous R&B; baritone lets graceful melodies and simply fervent lyrics take effect.

The album swings between intimacy and largeness, from hushed, private moments to pumped-up, celebratory fanfares attended by a chorus of thousands, or at least dozens. The balance works, and when the production grows a bit slick or gauzy, Medley’s weighty, callused voice reliably anchors the songs and keeps meaning and feeling paramount.

The simplest, most purely soulful songs are the best, including “Live for Thee” and “Precious Lord,” which have the stark power of their traditional black-gospel settings. But the dressed-up stuff has its moments, including the boisterous blues-rocking title track and Medley’s spiritual recasting of the Linda Ronstadt/Aaron Neville hit vehicle “Don’t Know Much.”

In a song-by-song commentary in the CD booklet, Medley notes how faith has carried him through hard times, including the death of his first wife in 1976 and a period during the mid-’70s when he lost his voice and feared he wouldn’t sing again. It’s a nice personal touch. This move into gospel comes after 35 years of soul, rock ‘n’ roll, country and adult pop for Medley, but it’s truly felt and not a late-innings career gambit.

Of course, it could be a good career move if Medley and his fledgling label can negotiate the politics of the Christian pop marketplace (for one thing, will stuffy Christian radio frown on a fellow who used to own a nightclub, and who still makes a good chunk of his living singing in Las Vegas casino showrooms with fellow Righteous Brother Bobby Hatfield?).

If a memorable voice fully invested in simple songs of faith turns out to be credential enough, Medley could be in for another high-profile ride, this time on a contemporary Christian caravan along with the Amy Grants, Michael W. Smiths and Stephen Curtis Chapmans of the world.

(Available from Rocktopia Records, 1452 Culver Drive, A-801, Irvine, CA 92604; (888) 848-1998; Web site: https://www.rocktopia.com.)

*

Ratings range from * (poor) to **** (excellent), with three stars denoting a solid recommendation.