image courtesy of Earshot Media
Single Review of Donnie Vie: “Plain Jane” b/w “Instant Karma”
Early this year, Donnie Vie released the 7-inch single, “Plain Jane,” with a cover of John Lennon’s “Instant Karma” as its B side. Both songs previously appeared on Vie’s 2019 Beautiful Things album, with “Instant Karma” being a bonus track on some editions. The 7-inch single was released in advance of the release of a remastered version of the album this summer. Rock ‘n roll fans, of course, will know Donnie Vie best as the lead singer of the prolific Chicago-based band Enuff Z’Nuff. Of course, that band’s 1989 debut record spawned rock hits “New Thing” and “Fly High, Michelle.” Then, as today, Vie is a dynamic, skilled vocalist with his own trademark sound, best described as throwback and Beatles-esque – well, somewhere between the Beatles and Cheap Trick, actually; his singing will, at times, absolutely remind you of Robin Zander.
The pair of songs on this single both fit that description. “Plain Jane” is tuneful, catchy, full of guitar hooks, well-placed harmony vocals, and feel-good rock/power-pop energy. It also clocks in at well under 3 minutes, meaning that it ends almost too soon, as it’s such an enjoyable romp.
Vie’s rich, vibrant vocals have an actual hint of gravel in them, from time to time, during his “Instant Karma” cover, providing an emotional edge to this song. Vie’s vocal phrasing, too, is enjoyably dynamic, as his vocals move around a bit within the sweet spot of the song’s melody. Drumming is also lively on this number, which is a raucously joyful – and incredibly catchy – affair. I suppose that’s not surprising, since we’ve all heard this song for decades, just with Lennon’s vocals. Vie’s cover absolutely does the original justice; rock fans, I guarantee you’re gonna dig it. To add another throwback phrase, this tune’s groovy, man!
More Recently
As I mentioned, Vie recently released a remastered version of his 2019 Beautiful Things album. My personal favorites on that record are the two songs from this 7-inch single plus its title track, “Beautiful Things,” though I never skip any songs when listening to it from beginning to end, so the whole record is solid.
If you’re familiar with Donnie Vie, you’ll know to expect the high quality on this 7-inch single and the entire album. If you only know him from Enuff Z’Nuff, his solo stuff is simply more of what you love about his timeless, throwback vocal style. And if you don’t know Vie or his former band, this single – and the Beautiful Things album – would make a great introduction.
