Valentine Special: Michael Des Barres, “The Key of Love” from Carnaby Street: Encore Edition (2013)

“The Key of Love,” a bonus track on Michael Des Barres’ new Carnaby Street: Encore Edition, is the kind of blessedly ragged, totally real song you’re hoping Rod Stewart comes up with for his forthcoming pop album — but fear he could never approach again.

Des Barres, putting away his rock ‘n’ roll shoes (not to mention his carnal growl), even sounds something like Stewart, as he details a straight-forward, very adult passion that’s hiding its share of scars. The uncluttered track allows that sentiment to remain at the forefront, with only a single backing singer and guitar in accompaniment, until a soaring sax joins the proceedings during its final quarter.

By then, Des Barres has made his own emotional ascension away from the gravelly, Faces-esque coo that launched “The Key of Love” into this beautifully raw howl.

This new tune arrives just in time for Valentine’s Day as a bonus track on Des Barres’ expanded version of last year’s terrific Carnaby Street, which we said worked as a template for growing old but not getting soft.

Same here.

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Nick DeRiso

Nick DeRiso has written for USA Today, American Songwriter, All About Jazz, and a host of others. Honored as columnist of the year five times by the Associated Press, Louisiana Press Association and Louisiana Sports Writers Association, he oversaw a daily section named Top 10 in the U.S. by the AP before co-founding Something Else! Nick is now assistant managing editor with Townsqaure Media. Listen to NICKRADIO here: bit.ly/NICKRADIO.

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