Believe

Personnel: David Feldstein (vocals).
Audio Mixer: Talley Sherwood.
Recording information: Acme Studios, Mamaroneck, NY; Avatar Studios, NYC; Chaton Studios, Phoenix, AZ; Tarzana, CA; Tritone Studios, Los Angeles, CA.
Photographers: Tom Catlin; Nicholas Kulik.
If the Yankees traded outfielder Nick Swisher to the world of Rock & Roll for, say, Tom Petty, chances are the Bronx Bombers would suffer much more than the Heartbreakers. No offense to Petty, but bowl cuts and bangs don't help much when chasing down homers, and besides, Swisher is a fine, powerful singer in that classic rock style with enough personality to be charming, a very beneficial trait when delivering a "celebrity album." Filled with songs you know performed in a safe yet uplifting style, Believe would be the quintessential celebrity album if it weren't a kid's album, as well. A children's chorus backs Swisher on these selections, with performances that can draw fist-pumps from mom, dad, and the kids, plus it's a charity effort to boot, with the proceeds going to the ball player's foundation for children with health issues, a move even a Red Sox fan can respect. Cute how "Hang on Sloopy" represents the man's Buckeye past, and with fellow jocks Bernie Williams and Barry Zito as guests, this is as fun as karaoke night at some millionaire sports bar where, believe it or not, you can bring the kids. ~ David Jeffries