TRY ANYTHING ONCE

Try Anything Once was Alan Parsons' first solo album after the breakup of the Alan Parsons Project due to differences between Eric Woolfson and Parsons. As one might imagine, it still follows an almost predictable formula that had been implemented over countless APP albums. Again, Parsons' main role is producer and engineer, but he participates more on contributing to the performance by sitting behind the keyboards, and even contributing acoustic guitar, bass, flute, and backing vocals. In addition to his contributions, he brings along regular APP contributor and guitarist Ian Bairnson. After all, it wouldn't sound like a Parsons-related album without Bairnson. Other guests that contributed include David Pack (Ambrosia), Eric Stewart (Mindbender and 10cc), and Chris Thompson (Manfred Mann's Earth Band), among others.

So what does an Alan Parsons solo album sound like? In many ways, just like an APP album without Woolfson. It's chiefly pop rock with slight progressive tendencies in places. There's a selection of rock numbers, some ballads, some upbeat numbers, and some instrumentals. All of it of course is impeccably produced in the Parsons tradition.

Now, one might ask, is this really just like APP? And the answer is yes and no. Parsons does explore new musical ground on this album, but it's not really in the progressive rock genre. It tends to be more in the popular music arena in which he gets these new ideas. Another difference, is that many of the songs are credited to a wide variety of people. Parsons is only credited on six of the twelve songs. And finally, this is the first Parsons album released that has no theme.

Definitely an interesting album that should appeal to APP fans, but unfortunately, it leans more towards pop music than progressive music. Like in previous reviews for APP albums, I would recommend starting with APP's debut album long before acquiring this. Two stars. Chiefly for fans and collectors.