THE OTHER WOMAN

IMO, this is the third non-Renaissance album in a row. "Camera Camera" showed already some signs of differentiation with their classic sound and the disgusting "Time Line" was their worst effort so far (twelve years prior to this "Other Woman").

Even if Annie Haslam didn't participate very much (to say the least) in the "Renaissance" song writing nor even in the lyrics, she was the one that incarnates the band. But this is only my personal feeling. The voice, the heart and soul. Her famous timber was one of the most recognizable of their so special music.

What is available on this album is of the caliber (?) of "Time Line" but with another female vocalist. Not that Stephanie Adlington has a bad voice, not at all but the lack of inspiration, the poor compositions (starting with the disco-ish "Déjà Vu") are just not what one can expect from a "Renaissance" album. But this isn't, I have already mentioned it.

Actually, the only good point of a song as "Love Lies" IS the vocal part. But this mellowish ballad doesn't really shine. And the other songs are just a collection of some popish ("Quicksilver") or syrupy ballads ("The Other Woman", "Lock In On Love", "So Blas", "May you Be Blessed").

There is even a reprise of an old "Renaissance" song (their only hit single) : "Northern Lights" from the album "A Song for All Seasons". But I couldn't be thrilled by the original and this version is no better.

The only acceptable song I can find is "Somewhere West Of Here" (the closing number). Almost like a true "Renaissance song, would you believe! This still shows that there was a opportunity to release a good effort if only more songs like this one were available.

Surprisingly enough, there are some good guitar breaks during two songs ("Déjà Vu", "Don't Talk") but these can't help a one star rating. Best avoided of course.