by Joe Viglione Neil Sedaka is one of those artists who deserves to put out an album of original material at least once a year. His migrating to Elektra may not have been the wisest of moves after all the success at Elton John's record company, this disc containing the only Top 40 hit from Sedaka's time with the label that launched the Doors. And that came almost four full years after leaving Rocket Records, a staggering fact when you realize that Sedaka crammed the seven hits of his second wave into a span of less than two years. "Should've Never Let You Go" is a cute little father/daughter duet that climbed into the Top 20 in May of 1980, but it isn't the best moment on In the Pocket. Nor is it the best version of that tune. Originally tracked for the 1978 effort All You Need Is the Music, produced by Artie Butler and the singer, the solo performance entitled "Should've Never Let Her Go" shimmers and shines, proving that a good song is a good song and that this song is really special. Also confusing things is the co-write with daughter Dara, "You're So Good for Me," which is a surprisingly superb effort. Co-writer Phil Cody comes up with a gem with the words to "Letting Go" while the late Howard Greenfield contributes the classic "My Friend," destined to become the title track of the best-of tribute to Greenfield after his passing. This album works best when Sedaka is himself, the arrangement of the standard "What a Difference a Day Makes" getting the after-hours treatment Sedaka gave to "Breaking Up Is Hard to Do" in 1975. When they dip into a bit of disco, the energy dissipates. It's production from Robert Appere and Sedaka reunited with some of the phenomenal session men from the "Laughter in the Rain" and Rocket Records glory days. Elektra's success with Tony Orlando in this genre was in those glory days, and by the time Sedaka hit at his new home, Queen were reigning on the charts. "Do It Like You Done It When You Meant It" sounds like Greenfield/Sedaka lyrically going back to their Captain & Tennille classic "You Never Done It Like That" from the 1977 George Martin-produced album that spawned the minor hit "Amarillo," though the formula isn't as good the second time around. An uneven album with some precious moments. If not exactly "in the pocket," it is still a good argument for consistent original albums from this unique and underrated composer/singer -- underrated when one considers the hits he's written for the 5th Dimension, Connie Francis, LaVern Baker, and others, though he still has not connected with that older crowd who seek out his contemporary, Neil Diamond.