Friction was released in ’85, and the first with a major label backing. This was the album that was supposed to be the one that pushed them into the mainstream but instead, it was the last one they would record until Four in 2013. Killer production from Max Norman gave the album a huge sound and one can only say, what happened? The first two albums were great and the band had their own personality and vibe – I loved them. There is no doubt that this was a more commercial album, aimed at the radio.
This Ain’t Love opens up the album and right from the off the sound is huge crisp and clean. The guitar sounds massive and that hook and chorus are superb. She’s Gone is next up and is a very radio-friendly tune, it was released as a single. Carl Dixon has a superb voice with such a great tone. Wrong Side Of Town feels like a song from the first two albums. Andy Curran handles the vocals on this one and the riff and groove are awesome. A great tune and also my favourite! Girl From Lasts Nights Dream was the big radio-friendly single from the album and it did ok in the US. Coming To Get You closes out Side 1 and it’s just an okay track with a plod groove, it’s my least favourite on the album.
Fantasy kicks off Side 2 and we are in AOR territory with a very slick production with the added keys. He’s A Champion again, has that slow plod beat and groove, it’s just an ok track for me. State Line has a great hook and chorus, and a four to the floor groove. Last track is Burning Love and it sounds huge. Guitars are very upfront in the mix, which always gets my seal of approval. I seem to like the Andy Curran songs, as my favourites from all three of the early albums are the ones he sings.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
