SOMEWHERE IN AFRIKA

Pop-rock dominates this release and the theme is the Apartheid regime ruling South Africa. As Manfred Mann's homeland is South Africa, this album was very significant. It consists of a mix of poppier songs such as "Demolition Man", "Rebel" and "Runner" with African-based pop/world music songs such as the "African Suite". While some of the pop songs are good- notably "Eyes of Nostradamus", some are just annoying- "Runner". Also here is the Police number " Demolition Man". What? No Dylan or Springsten on an Earth Band album? When I put this on my Ipod, I took about 1/2 of the songs and skipped the rest of the album. This is a harmless pop-rock Manfred Mann album with no relation to SOLAR FIRE or NIGHTINGALES AND BOMBERS. 2 stars + 1 more for the courage to attempt this album's political themes.