This is the only Nazareth album I own and that is purely down to the fact that ex-SAHB guitarist joined the band for the album before this. I was sure the reason he was asked to join the band was just to add balls, and beef up the band’s sound. Couldn’t have been more wrong of course, as he has a co-write on all but one of the songs, and three of them are sole Zal compositions.
Big Boy would first appear on the SAHBWA album, and was one of my favourite tracks on that album. Showdown At The Border has USA written all over it and has a big ear worm chorus. Hearts Grown Cold is a big power ballad, and I think it was released as a single. I always associate Nazareth with being a rough around the edges rock n’ roll band, but this is a very slick and well produced album with an eye on America. My favourite track is Talkin’ To One Of The Boys, as it has a very un-Nazareth vibe to it. A very quirky riff and groove with an almost new wave feel ,and some great guitar.
7.5/10 from The Grooveman.
