CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

This is the last Supertramp album that I purchased at the same time with "Breakfast In America" and "Paris" last year as previously I had only cassette version, and only one album: "Paris". In term of musical approach "Crisis? What Crisis?" is different with "Breakfast In America" as the music is a bit more prog here with this album. I might conclude that Supertramp was initially a prog band and I'm now curious to purchase the band's legendary "Crime of The Century". I would definitely have to collect Supertramp albums.

The album opener "Easy does It" (2:17) does not seem to be an easy listening tune but it projects a sense of complexity even though it's not that complex really. The matter even better with the next song "Sister Moonshine" (5:15) which proves the band's effort in composing a prog tune ven though it's probably too straight-forward, structurally. "Ain't Nobody but me" (5:12) indicates excellent composition with powerful combination of piano and vocal. There are segments that demonstrate prog approach. Vocal quality is truly excellent.

"A Soap Opera" (4:50) which I knew for the first time through the band' live concert album "Paris" is another excellent composition. It starts wonderfully with an ambient music and people chatting at the background followed with melodic combination of vocal and piano. One must be impressed with how the melody of this song is built especially as the music moves forward with keyboard background reminiscent of symphonic music. Yes, I have to admit that the vocal quality is top notch and it fits my taste.

"Another man's woman" (6:20) is another excellent song with dynamic piano work and vocal line at the beginning. The tempo is upbeat with various breaks demonstrating piano and some sound effects. I really enjoy the piano solo in the middle of the song which sometimes produces jazzy style - a bit. A song worth enjoying especially when I look at the structure that brings the music in multi moods. It's definitely a progressive approach.

"Lady" (5:24) provides another nice combination of piano and vocal at the opening. "Pour Boy" (5:08) explores piano and unique chanting style combined with woodwind work. "Just a Normal Day" (3:59) is a nice mellow track with dark mood. The power of this song lies in its melody and excellent lyrics. This is one of my favorite tracks. I love it, especially the melody during singing style with bluesy rhythm section enriched with string section at the back. It's really an excellent track and it has excellent woodwind (clarinet) solo. "The Meaning" (5:21) is another good track with accentuated vocal line. "Two of Us" (3:29) concludes the album in ballad style with nice melody.

Overall, this is an excellent addition to any prog music collection. Supertramp offers powerful songwriting and musical concepts combined with excellent musicianship and tight composition. I can see the influence (or similarity?) in nuance with those music by Alan Parsons Project - in some segments. Who influence who, actually? Well, I don't know. But for sure Supertramp has influenced a band from Sweden named as A.C.T. - another great band. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

As a matter of Notes: By the time I'm listening to this album, my country is having a severe earthquake at 5.9 Richter's Scale where all buildings are collapsed in Yogya and Bantul (Center Java), killing approx 3,000 people. "Just A Normal Day" by Supertramp suits the situation my brothers in Yogya are facing, currently. The album title also fits the situation: "Crisis? What Crisis?" - Rest in Peace for those who die.