FAR FROM HOME

Traffic

Eclectic Prog

2.91 | 64 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer

I have the greatest respect for Steve Winwood. A huge talented guy who blew the musical industry when he was only a teenager. To tell that I am a blind fan is another story.

Their last album "When The Eagle Flies" which was released some twenty years prior to this one was one of their weakest effort and this come back is not really brilliant. But IMHHO, there aren't many brilliant come-backs after such a long period of time (history is proven)..

Standout tracks are difficult to find if you're not in a bluesy / soulish mood. The first moment of hope is the superb instrumental intro of "Far From Home". Fully "Santana" oriented, and probably therefore that I like it so much. I should say though than as soon as the vocals step in, the feeling is not so great any longer. I wouldn't compare these with the poor Greg Walker or Alex Ligertwood but I really don't like this type of vocals.

I'm not quite sure about the reasons of this reunion. Not the money (little sales), nor the artistic achievement. Maybe an effort to satisfy the hordes of oldsters who were still willing to listen to a "Traffic" album. I can't blame the band for this.

But I can't be overwhelmed either. This album features just decent rock songs: some good folk feel with a wonderful musical introduction for "Holy Ground" that is one of the best track featured. But to swallow the funky "Some Kinda Woman" is quite difficult ?

I am afraid that this album is far from a great come back. Very few bands did achieve this, and "Traffic" didn't. A least this is how I feel. Such songs as "Every Night?" or "This Train Won't Stop" have little to share with great music. My fave track is the closing number "Mozambique". A very much early "Santana" song (again) as some fellow reviewers have already mentioned.

I really wouldn't go higher than two stars for this (long) album.

ZowieZiggy | 2/5 | 2009-7-10

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