The Smithereens

• Especially for You [Enigma, 1986] B-
• Green Thoughts [Capitol, 1988] C+

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Especially for You [Enigma, 1986]
All pop propaganda to the contrary, Pat DiNizio's no surefire songwriter--he's only moderately hooky, and even the lyrics he hits encapsulates romantic situations you already know the ins and outs of. Takes some singer to score consistently with such songs, and no pop propagandists are palming off that lie. B-

Green Thoughts [Capitol, 1988]
I know Pat DiNizio is Beatlesque, but is that why he writes cheerful-sounding love songs that turn out to be kind of mean when you pay attention? Or allows as how he's a jealous guy? I suspect he would have discovered these creative avenues on his own, spurred by deep expressive need. C+

Further Notes:

Everything Rocks and Nothing Ever Dies [1990s]