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Roger Hodgson - Open the Door CD (album) cover

OPEN THE DOOR

Roger Hodgson

 

Prog Related

3.25 | 62 ratings

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ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
3 stars His preview album was a total nightmare IMHHO. Some thirteen years prior this release. Did Rodger need all his time to come up with something far much better or was this just a record to fulfil with some contract?

Actually, I don't know but there is no doubt that this one sounds waaaaaaay better than ''Hai Hai'' (but this was an easy job, wasn't it?).

This work does sound as a Trampish one: fine vocal arrangements (but who could doubt about this), nice compositions as the opener shows: ''Along Came Mary'' which a lot of the emotional ''Supertramp'' sound I like very much.

This album is of course no masterpiece. Too much average (pop) songs to deserve the rate. But still: not bad at all either. I would recommend this work to some Tramp fans who are waiting for an illusory reunion. Melody sits at each corner of this album and even if ''The More I Look'' sounds childish, it conveys some nice feeling to my old ears.

I witnessed a Rodger concert in 2002 or so at the ''Ancienne Belgique'' (Brussels). I was like a young child listening to one of his master (but I do have plenty). The whole concert was a fantastic travel through the Tramp repertoire, but he did also play some of the songs from this album. There were not the best of the show (how could one compete with ''School''?) but they were not sloppy either.

Some songs are bottom line pop tunes (''Hungry''). But so catchy.Yes, I guess that I am biased (but at least I confess it). This sound is so much related with my teens that I just succumb to the simple beauty of ''Hungry''. Give me more (or at least a little bit) like these, please!

It is also such a good feeling to listen to something substantially better than ''Hai Hai''! What a relief to review a better work! I just wonder what the big man did through all those years? Feel ashamed? Think of an impossible reunion? Anyway: it is a pleasure to listen to such pleasant songs as ''Death And A Zoo'' which develops quite a bit of a structure during its almost eight minutes of good music. Even if the too much ''Zoo'' tempo is not the best part available during the second leg.

The popish Tramp sound is not forgotten either (''Love Is A Thousand Times'' or ''Say Goodbye''). But actually: who could blame him for this? As long as it is pleasant, and of remembrance of so great times.No one, I guess.

The title track is one of the highlights, for sure. I quite like this album. It is such a great trip back in time (but one might love or hate this). It is hard to rate it: three to four stars? I'll be conservative and give it a three. But you know that I am quite severe in terms of ratings.

ZowieZiggy | 3/5 |

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