Digital reissue of sweet radio pop from the mid-70s

The DeFranco Family – a family act from Ontario, Canada – had several hits and a terrific run in ‘70s teen magazines. The fuss was centered on the super-cute Tony DeFranco, whose 13-year-old voice was complemented by his brothers’ and sisters’ harmony vocals, yielding a sound akin to the Partridge Family fronted by Donny Osmond. What made the records work were lyrics that Tony could croon convincingly to pre-teen girls, bubblegum hooks and sophisticated arrangements by writer/producer Walt Meskell.

The group’s debut album featured their biggest chart hit, “Heartbeat, It’s a Lovebeat,” but also several other pop gems. “I’m With You” has a clever circus beat (apparently supplied played by Wrecking Crew ace, Hal Blaine) and the throwback “Sweet Sweet Loretta” combines banjo, bass, and brass. The album’s second hit, “Abra-Ca-Dabra,” is a terrific piece of bubblegum, but the real sleeper is “Gorilla,” a song so sweet it will give you a toothache. You’ll want to make sure you have some time to yourself as the album closes with Tony’s special message to you, “I Love Everything You Do.” Sigh.

The group’s second (and final) album features their third (and final) hit, a cover of the Drifters’ “Save the Last Dance for Me.” It’s the best track on the album, though Tony’s slightly funky take on Dr. John’s “Poor Boy” isn’t bad. Tony’s voice still sounds fresh and young, but the arrangements are heavier, and the delicious bubblegum sounds were exchanged for MOR ballads and overcooked Vegas-styled horn-rock. There’s very little here that stacks up to the hooks of “Heartbeat, It’s a Lovebeat” or “Abra-Ca-Dabra.” Even the love letter to Tony’s pre-teen fans, “I Guess You Already Knew,” hasn’t the craft of similar sentiments from the debut; apparently the DeFranco’s producer/songwriters had only one album of top-notch material. [©2011 hyperbolium dot com]

The DeFranco Family’s Home Page
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