After the much publicized problems with original vocalist, Gary Barden, Schenker fired him and brought in Graham Bonnet, who had just been fired from Rainbow. Now Bonnet in Rainbow had raised a few eyebrows for sure, but to me, him being in MSG made perfect sense. He had the perfect voice for what Michael was trying to do at the time, and it’s a shame it only lasted for this one amazing album.
To me this is MSG’s finest hour as Michael’s playing and Graham’s vocals are just superb. Cozy Powell also left the band before the recording of this album and was replaced by Ted McKenna, which now that along with Chris Glenn on bass, the SAHB rhythm section was back together.
The album kicks off in great style with the title track which lays the ground perfectly for the rest of the record. It has a great riff and some killer playing from Michael, and Bonnet is just giving it his all. They also had a hit single from the album with the track Dancer, which I guess was a bonus. Broken Promises is one of my favourite rock tracks ever – the riff and groove, and that superb vocal from Bonnet, just gets me every time I hear it. ,
There was a time when Michael had it all, and I guess with some bad decisions and addictions to exotic substances he slipped way down the ladder, but it’s great to see him still out there.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
