Beautiful Things by Donnie Vie – Stands the Test of Time

Beautiful Things, the most recent solo endeavor from Donnie Vie, the celebrated former vocalist and main songwriter of Enuff Z’Nuff, was initially unveiled on under Deko Music and distributed by Warner Music Group. This release marks another outstanding achievement in Vie’s distinguished musical journey.
But things have changed, and it’s now under Vie’s own imprint.
Vie, a somewhat unsung hero in the realm of power-pop, especially in his hometown of Chicago, gained prominence with Enuff Z’Nuff. The band burst onto the scene in 1989 with their eponymous debut, featuring standout tracks like “New Thing” and “Fly High Michelle” that quickly became MTV staples.
Enuff Z’Nuff, originally formed with Chip Z’Nuff in 1984, rose to fame with Vie’s dynamic lead, culminating in a significant record deal and a series of acclaimed albums.
Vie later shifted focus to solo pursuits in 2002, briefly rejoined Enuff Z’Nuff in 2006, but ultimately left in 2013 to concentrate on his individual artistry.
His fourth solo release, Beautiful Things, follows the success of “The White Album” from 2014. Vie initially launched this project through Pledge Music, involving his fans deeply, including their contributions in the album’s visual design.
Despite facing setbacks due to Pledge Music’s unexpected shutdown, Vie resiliently secured a new label and distribution, making the album available to eagerly waiting fans.
But as mentioned before, it’s now under his own name.
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Stream Beautiful Things on Spotify
Beautiful Things features Vie’s classic blend of compelling power-pop tunes, evoking echoes of Elvis Costello, Squeeze, and a Lennon & McCartney vibe. The album starts with a guitar piece by Paul Gilbert of Mr. Big, setting the stage for the eponymous track, “Beautiful Things,” showcasing Vie’s vocal excellence.
Former Snuff Z.Nuff guitarist (and sometime lead singer) Johnny Monaco makes an appearance as well.
It continues with “Plain Jane,” offering a more rock-centric sound, and “Breaking Me Down,” adorned with harmonies reminiscent of the Beatles and a 12-string guitar that nods to The Byrds.
The lead single, “I Could Save The World,” marked Vie’s reemergence into songwriting, embellished with Roger Joseph Manning Jr.’s orchestral touches. The first half of the album concludes with “Fly,” a reflective piece, leading into the second half with the slightly country-flavored “Tender Lights.”
The standout track “I’ll Surrender” follows, exemplifying Vie’s knack for Beatles-inspired hits. “Whatever” is a lively recount of Vie’s musical evolution, while “Falling Through The Pages” harks back to the familiar Enuff Z’Nuff sound. The album concludes with the contemplative piano ballad “Back From The Blue.”
In a conversation with Ultimate Classic Rock, Vie described his sudden surge in creativity as if receiving a celestial gift of melodies and ideas, breaking his prolonged creative drought. This album represents not just a resurgence of Vie’s artistic flair but a celebration of his ongoing evolution as a musician.
The Japanese edition of the album even includes a bonus rendition of John Lennon’s “Instant Karma,” adding a unique element to this extraordinary collection. Beautiful Things is a testament to Vie’s sustained ability to enchant and inspire, encapsulating his over 30 years of musical exploration.
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“The whole album feels thoughtful and mature, without losing neither charm nor depth.” – RevelationZ
“At times you feel like smiling and jumping into the air with delight and at others you feel like shedding a tear as you hear the most beautiful melodies that you know in your heart.” – The Rockpit
“Catchy, pop-tastic melodies and instant choruses have been a trademark since ‘New Thing’ and ‘Baby Loves You’ were all over MTV. And those influences are all over ‘Beautiful Things’, the man just can’t help himself.” – RPM Online
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