CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

"Crisis" is indeed far from any Supertramp crisis; it marks development in the band's sound, writing style. I think that songs are more radio friendly but that does not mean that the band were resting on their laurels. I can hear country influences, the sound of harmonica, early funk elements - you wouldn't find this on the previous album.

The songs are mainly melodic, accessible and very soft occasional traces of progressive rock are minimized. The band shows actually that it can rock, too - listen to the slow grooving rock'n'roll of "Ain't nobody but me". "A soapbox opera" is a pleasant melodic a bit poignant violin decorated number, a hidden pop champion. "Another man's woman" is the only so-so song with more complexity - piano lines, different sections and rhythm, nice instrumental section with multiple instruments - something like rock/orchestra opera. "Lady" has a clear commercial melody grooves but the ending instrumental loose part saves it a bit. "Just a normal day" is an impressive balad with some ancient chord sequences that remind me of the 20-30's. "Two of us" is another ballad, even more smoothing and it will blend in your ears. A good but non-essential piece of rock.