Robin’s first album of a new decade, and probably the last, before his popularity began to wane. It’s also nice to see the true three piece back as James Dewar is back playing bass as well as supplying his amazing vocal talents. Equal parts rock, soul, and funk, Robin carved a niche all of his own and ignoring all of the stupid comparisons to Hendrix that clueless journalists pedaled around.
Opening track, Jack And Jill, opens with that trademark Trower tone we all love, with a soulful lyric laid over the top. Slowing the pace down for the soulful Roads To Freedom that follows, and a great vocal and some tasteful playing from Robin. The awesome title track is up next and what a great track it is. Again, we start with a slow soul/R&B intro before it builds into the killer chorus and middle eight. The Ring follows and is my favourite on the album. An exercise in tone and control – a masterclass from Trower. I love a guitarist who tries something a little different to keep you hooked. This track has a serious groove and a great melody, but it’s the guitar that draws you in. Side 1 close out track is another chill out soulful tune with a great vocal.
Side 2 kicks off with Into The Flame, and an old school slow blues riff – it’s the Trower and Dewar show. The Shout follows and is an old school R&B style tune given the Trower treatment. The very groovy Mad House is next, and is a great tune with a very funky riff and killer solo. Ready For The Taking has a slower pace with a cleaner tone from Trower for the main riff. Final track, Fly Low, is a beautiful song to end with and has a really laid back groove.
A great production from Geoff Emerick, he let’s the music breath and it’s crystal clear. Robin didn’t make a bad album until after this one. That’s quite a run of 7 straight great records.
9/10 from The Grooveman.
