You’ll not find another album with a more descriptive title than Bring On The Happy, as Mr. Bonfiglio delivers ten tracks that will elevate your spirits no matter what mood you’re in! The first solo album by the former member of major label artist Wanderlust, as well as the equally excellent The Skies Of America, is a fine mixture of sprightly, kinetic, guitar-based pop-rock and cool, sleek piano ballads. On the more rockin’ tunes, by the second part of the verse the listener will have a sense of the imminent explosion of aural color in the chorus, particularly on “Nothing Will Hold You Down” and “Blow Me Away,” both of which could definitely be big hits in a more pop-friendly world. Another fine pop rocker is “What You Need,” which is quite reminiscent of late ‘70s Chicago. Of the ballads, the best are definitely “Straight From The Heart,” a beautiful love song that perhaps Bonfiglio wrote for his wife, and “Some Days Are Better,” which would make Carl Wilson proud with its melody lines reminiscent of his work with The Beach Boys.
Bring On The Happy is a fine, uplifting listen from start to finished, and very highly recommended to anyone who likes pop/rock with hooks galore.
--David Bash [January 12, 2009]
