One of the best of the 80s AOR records - Music is, of course, totally subjective. And while I respect everyone s right to an opinion, I was very surprised - darn near offended - that there was a review of this album that gave it less than 5 stars. All I can say is read the other reviews (all 5 stars, at least while I m writing this). This is an album of wonderfully inventive songs performed by phenomenal musicians. It s as good as it gets.
flawlessly professional early 80s West Coast pop-rock, but overslick, and suffering from uneven songwriting - Before attaining huge commercial success with Mr. Mister, session cats Richard Page and Steve George made three albums as members of the group Pages. This album, originally released in 1981, is the last of the three.This album is flat-out late 70s/ early 80s style West Coast pop-rock--think Toto, Doobie Brothers, etc.--and it s flawlessly professional in terms of the performances, which are very tight, and the musicianship is extremely accomplished. Unfortunately, the songwriting is inconsistent. Plus, overly slick vocals tend to crop up, as on the choruses of Tell Me and Only A Dreamer, which frustratingly hinders the album s emotional impact.There are some irresistible songs here. The album-opening You Need A Hero, which has an ingenious chorus bass line, is a terrific blue-eyed-soul pop-rocker that sounds exactly like then-contemporary Ambrosia--imagine a cross between Biggest Part Of Me and You re The Only Woman with Joe Puerta, instead of David Pack, on lead vocals. O.C.O.E. (Official Cat of the Eighties) is a slightly corny, but amusingly clever song that s rhythmically infectious and ultra-catchy. And although it s rather sappy, Come On Home is an engagingly tuneful ballad with an arrestingly elegant atmosphere.Unfortunately, the album as a whole doesn t live up to the standard of its best tracks. The galloping Sesatia is weighed down by lame lyrics, and it has an out-of-place sickly-sweet chorus. The fast-paced rocker Automatic sounds like a feeble Cars imitation, bordering on tuneless. Also, the album closing ballad Midnight Angel is tedious and sappy. Ultimately, this album does yield some rewards if you re a fan of that West Coast sound, so it s worth picking up if you see an inexpensive vinyl copy in nice condition.
A True Desert Island Disc - People who love this album (I am one of them) believe it is one of the top 10 pop albums ever made. Everything clicks, from the choice of rhythm sections to the arrangements to the solos, and the songs are complex and intriguing. I have had this album (first on vinyl) for almost 25 years, and if I were stuck on an island and could only choose one album, I think this would be it.
A yet to be discovered musical treasure - If even this one doesn t get noticed we might as well stop, Richard Page and Steve George must have thought. Catchy songs packed with good ideas & variation. Perfectly played as you can expect from these studio tigers, but: was anybody out there listening?My favorites are O.C.O.E. and Tell me (complex and experimental) and You need a hero, Come on home, Only a dreamer and Fearless (these ballads are a strong point when you have Richard Page as a singer), while the uptempo Sesatia and Automatic add variation but do sound a bit dated.A true alltime favorite. And the global succes of Mr. Mister brought the recognition after all...
Dad gommit! - It s the only record that I have, that just gets better and better. And I have had it for about 20 years. It is a perfect complete album. What can I say. Fantastic vocals. Great lyrics. Superb production. And with a composition/beat that grabs me by the... well, you know. First class, all the way. I have never been able to stand still, when I play this album. It is, in my humble opinion, the best album I have ever heard, and I treasure it.