AGENTS OF FORTUNE

Blue Oyster Cult is a legendary US-based hard rock band; known to play "heavy metal for the thinking man" back in the 1970's; although few would call any of their songs heavy metal in this day and age when even Black Sabbath are considered mainstream rock by many. "Agents of Fortune" is the fifth release by the band, and commercially one of their most successful releases.

Musically this album is all about rock and hard rock; played and performed in a traditional manner. Few of the songs are adventurous in structure or form, and many are clearly aimed towards being radio friendly. The AOR tag fits quite nicely on this release due to that.

With melodic tunes, extensive use of piano, synths and hammond; melodic and mostly calm vocals as well as a mostly laid back guitar sound the end result is an album clearly aimed at the mass market.

The songs are a mixed lot here though. "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" is the clear highlight here, sounding just as good as ever. "This Ain't the Summer of Love" and "E.T.I." are also strong tracks; sounding as good now as they did in 1976.

"The Revenge of Vera Gemini" and "Tattoo Vampire" are nice tracks as well, but the rest of the songs here really doesn't sound too good in my opinion. Worst of the rest being "Tenderloin"; which in my opinion is a song best forgotten.