Picture This

1	Dream Come True 3:20
2	Sun, Moon, and Stars 2:46
3	Sound of Your Voice 2:53
4	Picture This 2:17
5	Edgewater 2:40
6	You Never Know 3:47
7	Coming Home 3:06
8	Frere Jacques 3:19
9	Secret Love / Martin Tillman 4:03
10	First Steps 3:16
11	Valentine / Martina McBride 3:16
12	Sweet Dreams 2:46
13	Hero's Dream Bonus Track 2:33

Barnes & Noble

Whatever your picture of romance, you'll undoubtedly find it reflected on this dreamy set of pieces by pianist Jim Brickman. "Dream Come True" opens the album with a strong piano theme, ripe with fulfilled expectations, but the gentle synth stylings of Michael Whalen leave space for heavenly raptures. Lyrical optimism colors "Sun, Moon, and Stars," and a heartwarming clarion cheers "Sound of Your Voice." You'll hear pensive phrasing with a distant oboe on "Edgewater," but the jaunty back-and-forth conversation of the following title track builds up in strength and intention. Soloists include Boney James, adding an expressively smooth soprano sax to "You Never Know," and Martina McBride, who sings the tender "Valentine" with soul and conviction. Stylish syncopations and touches of swing color Brickman's keyboard work, keeping all things fresh. Though one doesn't want romance to be too sweet, tracks such as "Sweet Dreams" are purely and irresistibly delicious. Carol Wright

All Music Guide

Jim Brickman's simple, straightforward solo piano melodies have made the extraordinary breakthrough onto soft rock radio alongside the Whitney Houstons and Mariah Careys. Perpetuating his belief that less is more, the former jingle writer keeps the romantic pieces on his eloquent third release, Picture This, short and hooky, with most clocking in under three minutes. Though his label association might lean towards his categorization as a new age artist, Brickman is pure pop all the way, with none of the pretentious grandeur of so many of new age's top players. Most of the songs are lighthearted and whimsical, easy to fall in love with and to, but a few (like the moody "Edgewater," which features oboe harmony) hint at a deeper artistry. A tender Martina McBride vocal will no doubt open doors in the country market, but contemporary fans will better enjoy the lush duet Brickman plays with saxman Boney James. It's hardly innovative, but its quiet beauty still runs circles around anything Kenny G's ever done. And it established Brickman as the premier romantic piano sensation of his generation. Jonathan Widran