BREAKFAST IN AMERICA

This was their big commercial success, with multiple hit singles and awards. But when this album first came out, I was quite disappointed with it's overtly commercial pop direction and production, most prominently in Roger's singles Breakfast in America and The Logical Song. And although I did like many of the other songs on the album, I didn't listen to it for many years and generally dismissed it when others touted it. However, going back to it years later, it is clear that it is a great album, with numerous wonderful songs, and aside from those couple weak tracks, does stand among the band's best albums. Rick's contributions, starting with the great opener Gone Hollywood, and then Goodbye Stranger and Oh Darling, save side 1 from Roger's lightweight pop, and side 2 continues with strong songs from both Rick and Roger, with Roger's heartfelt Lord is it Mine and Take the Long Way Home and Rick's more edgy Just Another Nervous Wreck and Casual Conversations, culminating in the big finale of Child of Vision. Best Tracks: Gone Hollywood, Oh Darling, Goodbye Stranger, Take the Long Way Home, Child of Vision. Weak Tracks: Breakfast in America, The Logical Song. Rating:4 stars