CONTRABAND

In terms of album releases, Golden Earring was a very prolific band in those times: this is their third album in less than two years. And those three albums (''Switch'', ''To The Hilt'' and ''Contraband'') do share a lot in common and this one sounds often to business as usual: somewhat routine work without a lot of passion.

There are some pop songs, even a hit with the entertaining opener ''Bombay'', some straight rock music with a closing psyche instrumental section (''Sue Leen'') and a couple of longer songs as well.

The first one is ''Con Man''. I have mixed feeling about this one: it seems that Barry is emulating Rod Steward on the vocals for most of it! Again, a fine rocking number featuring some very good guitar towards the end of it. I told you, business as usual.

Just next to it is the longest one from this album: ''Mad Love's Comin''. This is by far my fave from this offering: a nice crescendo building, an hypnotic and repetitive background theme, a strong cohesion within the band and at last somewhat more elaborate of a track. It reminds the good old ''Moontan'' days with a middle section which has some ''Radar Love'' air. But who would complain? Not me, for sure! IMHHO, it is one of their top ten best song ever: no more, no less.

The good ''Fightin' Windmills'' is also on the more complex side. An infectious beat, which reminds me of ''Kill Me- Ce Soir'' and which ends up in an fantastic combination of Eastern influences and superb vocals/guitar to close. Another highlight IMHHO.

I guess that their producer was not really in top form when he decides the track order (but so was he already with their prior release). The best songs are all placed later in the album (starting with ''Mad Love?''). It is also the case with the punchy ''Fated Jeans''. Nothing too complex here, but a serious and kicking rock song that keeps this album in good territories.

The band is still releasing good quality works. As far as I am concerned it is their eight one in a row. Not too bad, is it? But what if they only had grouped their songs to only release two albums instead of three? It would have definitely led to two four stars records.

Three stars for ''Contraband''.