THE PROS AND CONS OF HITCH HIKING

It continues to amaze me how many people totally miss the point of this great album. Feminists manage to take offense, and others dismiss the work as sophomoric and unworthy of the Floyd. It is intensely emotional and honest. "Go Fishing" is the backbone of this album, bridging the gap between his betrayal of his wife and her subsequent betrayal of him. The sax solo from Sanborn is brilliant on this number, and vocally it is RW at his screaming, emotional best. Primal scream therapy seems to be some of what this is about from a vocal standpoint. The closing with "Every Stranger's Eyes" & "The Moment of Clarity" not only show us a side of RW we had not previously seen, but provides a lovely and happy ending to a nightmare vividly conveyed musically and lyrically. I give this 4.5 stars. If you're looking for "The Wall" this isn't it. It is totally different than anything RW had previously done, although I can see how some people see this as an extension of "The Final Cut." This album was written and conceived at the same time as "The Wall." This album will never be regarded as a "classic," but it is a landmark work for Roger Waters. He never wrote or sang with such emotion ever again. This album marked the end of a great run.