Bruce Sudano’s ‘Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies’ is soulfully reflective

Alive ‘N Kickin’ and Brooklyn Dreams’ Bruce Sudano has released his ninth solo album ‘Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies.’

Author:
Warren Kurtz
Publish date:
Mar 1, 2024

BRUCE SUDANO

Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies

Purple Heart Recording Company (CD and digital)

By Warren Kurtz

Purple Heart Recording Company has released the ninth solo album from Bruce Sudano, Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies. Sudano is best known as the organist on the Top 10 1970 summertime hit “Tighter, Tighter” by Alive ‘N Kickin’ and as a member of the trio Brooklyn Dreams, who joined his late wife Donna Summer on the 1979 Top 5 gold single “Heaven Knows.” In January, Goldmine previewed the first three singles from Sudano’s new album as part of our weekly Fabulous Flip Sides interview series, including his duet with Valerie Simpson, “Two Bleeding Hearts.” Those songs were released ahead of the album, which was released today. Now, let’s highlight four more songs.

“Talkin’ Ugly Truth, Tellin’ Pretty Lies,” is soulful, with Irene Blackman on background vocals. Sudano on organ takes us back to his “Tighter, Tighter” sound, and Danny Flam and the New York Brass are powerful on this title track.

“How’d You Get Here” reflects on adulthood and a life’s journey from “the generation of black and white TV,” being middle class and dreaming big dreams. Producer Ken Lewis’ synthesizer provides a nice saxophone-style backdrop.

“Cardboard World” showcases Sudano’s storytelling, lyrically recalling Tom Petty’s “Free Falling” and the Kim Carnes hit “Bette Davis Eyes” during the first two minutes of the song and then the power kicks in.

The rolling acoustic guitar finale “Under the Gun” focuses on the issue of gun violence, being “under the gun too long,” and asks, “When did we become a country that would sacrifice the children?” stating, “It’s the ultimate betrayal.”

You can read Goldmine’s coverage of the first three songs from the new album in our Goldmine January 2024 interview article by clicking on the link further below.