I ROBOT

I guess that I am one of the very few who considers that this second APP album is on par with his debut one. This is only due to the fact that I was not overwhelmed by ''Tales?'' which was a good album but that couldn't really impress me at the time of release.

This album didn't gain so much the attention of the media as follow-up of a so-called masterpiece, and APP disappeared from my radars as well. I only rediscover these albums at the turn of the century.

I would say that this album is more commercial-oriented and more easy-listening. Some disco-based elements are also present (''I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You''): this is not particularly the best times of the whole.

Catchy melodies, top notch production of course and an impressive list of guests (musicians, vocalists) are certainly ingredients that by all means generated this good album. The sweet, and at times Floydean, ballad ''Some Other Time'' and the fine instrumental 'Nucleus'' are some examples. The electronic and more experimental opener and title track is another one.

Most of this work wouldn't require too much attention to be appreciated, it is a nice succession of good tracks, lacking perhaps some grandeur. The overall quiet mood adds to a certain tranquillity conveyed here.

''I Robot'' is an enjoyable album, but nothing from the other world. The closing instrumental is another one of the very good tracks (total four). Three stars.