BILLBOARD SINGLE REVIEWS Say Goodbye JORDAN KNIGHT & DEBORAH GIBSON Producer(s): Aaron Accetta Genre: AC Label: Transcontinental What year is this? In another era, "Say Goodbye" would have been worthy of a pop spotlight. New Kids' Jordan Knight and Debbie Gibson singing together . . . heaven, right? All these years later, this throwback is a novelty, but for those who thrived on the pop revolution of 20 years ago, the AC release is a reminiscent jewel. Fact is, the two sound perfectly aligned (albeit overly processed) with a well-executed, craftily written ballad. And let's remember, they're hardly graying dinosaurs (both are barely in their mid-30s). Radio is unlikely, but iTunes could propel this into a sales hit. If you were there then, this is absolutely worth searching out. ---Chuck Taylor ----------------------------- AARON CARTER Saturday Night Producer(s): Aaron Accetta Writer(s): A. Carter, D. Pierre, S. Bolton, Dakari Publisher(s): various Genre: POP Label/Catalog Number: Trans Continental MLGP25 1140 (CD promo) Source: Billboard Magazine Originally Reviewed: April 09, 2005 It seems like Aaron Carter was a Radio Disney idol for decades, but 2005 is looking like the year to demonstrate that he is perfectly capable of transitioning to a more mature pinup---complete with voice change (he's 17 now). "Saturday Night" is a happening, sensationally produced track that conjures such staples as "Hey Ho" and Mark Morrison's "Return of the Mack," backed with a pleasing, hook-drenched pop melody. This is a one-listen song that showcases enough of an R&B vibe to court Carter's now-teen fans while ably holding the reins of his pop roots. He hasn't had a bona fide top 40 hit yet, and it's going to take a handful of enterprising stations to catapult him to the next level---but he serves as a tasty antidote to today's one-dimensional top 40. Cast aside all prejudice; it's a good "Night."---CT ----------------------------- JORDAN KNIGHT Where Is Your Heart Tonight Producer(s): Aaron Accetta Genre: POP Source: Billboard Magazine Aside from Backstreet Boys' new album earlier this year and perhaps Madonna's that arrives next month, precious little of today's pop music does not apologize for itself on some level. That makes the new single from New Kids on the Block alumnus Jordan Knight a refreshing discovery for melody fans who have all but given up on U.S. labels. The song's ace production is by Aaron Accetta of boy band Bad Mood Mike, whose members also included Rich Cronin of LFO. The link here is Lou Pearlman's Trans Continental Records, which launched those groups, as well as 'N Sync, Backstreet Boys and O Town. Any fan of those acts will appreciate this lovely, piano-driven ballad. No rocket science here, but a noble effort to fuel Knight's third wind. aaronaccetta@gmail.com