This is Budgie’s 10th studio release, and other than an attempted comeback in 2006, this would be their last. This album is a much more melodic and commercial album compared to their other releases, and it was received pretty poorly by the critics at the time. They accused main man Burke Shelley of bringing his new found Christian values into the music, although, I can’t really see that. What you do get is a great melodic rock album with great songs. great melodies, and some killer playing.
Opening track, Bored With Russia, is the only track not written by the band and was written by American producer, Beau Hill – a great opening tune. Next up is the fantastic Don’t Cry, a great tune with a great riff and some tasty guitar from John Thomas. What you do notice is that there is a ton of keyboards on most of the tracks, and whether that was what the critics were moaning about I’m not sure. The pretty straightforward Truth Drug follows, a typical Budgie track. Next song, Young Girl, is the only track that doesn’t sound like the band – it could be any American rock band from this period of the time. Side closer and the album epic track, Flowers In The Attic, is based on the book of the same name by V.C. Andrews. Very slow build up, with the stolen Randy Rhoads middle section, and the big rock ending.
Side 2 opener, N.O.R.A.D, is another attempt at writing a song about an apocalyptic future. It is a really good tune with some excellent playing, and again another killer middle section. Give Me The Truth is a straight up decent hard rock song. Alison is the obligation wimp out ballad track that is a great mood killer. Finger On The Button is probably the band’s blatant attempt at a single – at least that’s what is sounds like to me. Album close out track, Hold On To Love (which would turn out to be the final recorded output of the band for over 25 years) has a Maiden style gallop with a very sing a long melodic chorus – a good end to a good album.
Guitarist, John Thomas, who is sadly no longer with us was one of the great unsung guitar heroes of the time. I saw the band a few times and he was killer live – as were all of the band.
8.5/10 from The Grooveman.
