by Stephen Thomas ErlewineAfter spending eight years working with Mike + the Mechanics, among other bands and side projects, Paul Carrack returned in 1996 with Blue Views. Because Carrack's side projects since the mid-'80s have all been variations on slick but soulful pop-rock, it's not a surprise that Blue Views sounds like it could have been released in 1991. That's not necessarily a bad thing, since Carrack's vocals are terrific and the sound is appealingly polished. The material is a bit too spotty to make it a triumphant comeback, but the best moments, including a version of the Eagles' "Love Will Keep Us Alive," are solid adult contemporary pop.