Jude Cole

by Stephen Thomas ErlewineJude Cole joined the British power pop band the Records in 1980, after their first album was released; he stayed with them for one album. After a few years, Cole re-emerged with his own solo record, 1987s Jude Cole, which was a much slicker, mainstream-oriented affair than any of the Records records, yet it did have its charm; unfortunately, it was ignored. That was not the case with his second album, 1990s A View From 3rd Street, which had a bona fide hit single with the sweet, yearning Baby, Its Tonight. Another single from the album went Top 40, as Cole enjoyed a surprise success. Although he wasnt able to repeat his success with the follow-up, it was another solid album of mainstream pop/rock, full of shiny hooks and sleek, memorable melodies.