CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

I was aware of this album back in the day, in fact I remember seeing this album cover many times in record shops; but I never bought it or even heard it until recently. The first SUPERTRAMP LP I bought was "Even In The Quietest Moments" then I bought "Crime Of The Century" in 1979. Those two along with this album have great cover art don't they ? Unfortunately this album doesn't share the same good, quality music as the other two. I'm not sure if my opinion would be different if I owned this back in the seventies, but it's hard to believe i'd feel any differently about it than I do now. As with "Crime Of the Century" Rick and Roger sing only the songs they themselves composed, and they get equal playing time too. Odd numbered songs are Ricks', even numbered ones are Rogers'. There seems to be a lot less sax on this one too.

"Easy Does It" opens with a sample of someone walking and whistling. Mellow music takes over before a minute. "Sister Moonshine" is a top three for me. Strummed guitar with vocals and drums lead the way. Sax before 3 minutes. "Ain't Nobody But Me" is a more passionate track but I can't get into it. "A Soapbox Opera" opens with samples and synths. Vocals and piano take over then a beat. Some strings in this one too.

"Another Man's Woman" is a top three. Piano and vocals as drums join in. I really like the piano on this one. It sounds great when the song kicks in at 4 1/2 minutes. A definite highlight. "Lady" is my other top three although I don't like the way it ends. "Poor Boy" is a song I can't get into. "Just A Normal Day" is mellow with piano, vocals and a beat. Strings too and sax before 3 minutes. "The Meaning" has a cool intro as the vocals join in. I like the sax after 2 1/2 minutes. Great sound 4 minutes in. "Two Of Us" features organ, vocals and strummed guitar. It's very laid back.

Barely 3 stars, in fact I think i'm being generous by giving it 3 stars.