LOOK HEAR?

You could be forgiven for thinking the title of this album is "Are you normal?", since those are the words emblazoned across the front cover. The actual title appears as a much smaller notation in one corner.

"Look hear" was the third album released after the major split in the band which saw Godley and Crème surrendering the name to Stewart and Gouldman. Interestingly, while Stewart and Gouldman write most of the songs here, two songs on the first side are penned by guitarist Rick Fenn. "Welcome to the world" is the first of these, Fenn collaborating with keyboard player Duncan Mackay. It is a reasonable facsimile of a 10CC song, even mentioning a dreadlock holiday in the lyrics. However, the intricate production disguises a very average song. "Don't send we back" has a jaunty melody, while the lyrics tell the tale of refugees in boats desperately seeking a country prepared to allow them to enter. It all seems rather inappropriate.

The Stewart/Gouldman songs which naturally dominate the album, are among the weakest they have written, which possibly explains the inclusion of the aforementioned songs. "One two five", the title relates to the beats per minute, demonstrates how much the pair are in desperate need of both a decent lyric and a strong melody. "How'm I ever gonna say goodbye" , which Gouldman co-writes with Fenn, is a light throwaway pop song.

It's only when we finally get to "I took you home" that we find one of Eric Stewart's ballads. It is not one of his best, but in the context of this album it shines.

The second side is even weaker than the first, with 6 very average pop songs. "Lovers anonymous" for example has some of the most trite lyrics ever recorded under the 10cc name. I'm calling lovers anonymous, talk about your troubles and we'll throw you a line".

In all, this is a real low point for releases in the 10CC name. There is a distinct lack of inspiration in the performances, but it is the song-writing which is the true source of the problems. Avoid.

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