CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

Supertramp's 1975 album "Crisis? What Crisis?" has an image problem. But there is absolutely no problem with its substance. It is a consistently superb art-pop success that ranks with the band's very best work, and indeed, with the very best in the genre.

Released between 1973's widely lauded breakthrough album "Crime Of The Century" (with hits "Bloody Well Right" and "Dreamer") and 1977's stunning, delicate "Even In The Quietest Moments" (with the mega-hit "Give A Little Bit"), "Crisis?" had no major hit singles. Further, it lacks both the artistic edge of its predecessor and the encompassing, focused beauty of its successor. Despite all this, however, "Crisis?" is an absolute gem, ten excellent songs without a hint of letdown. The entire album shimmers with vitality, from the enigmatic pop of album-opener "Easy Does It" through the glorious rock strum of "Sister Moonshine," the bluesy art-rock of "Ain't Nobody But Me," the classic Supertramp keyboard pulse of "Lady," and the transcendent, cosmic pop/rock of the closing couplet "The Meaning" and "The Two Of Us."

"Crisis? What Crisis?" is instantly engaging and profoundly energizing, commanding repeated listens. And once you give it those repeated listens, it's a pretty addictive platter. For fans of '70s prog-pop and artsy classic rock, it's a nearly essential purchase, not to be overlooked.

The fine remastering on this newly released reissue makes some difference in its impact, but for most fans, it is not clear that the improved sonics merit upgrading one's original CD to this new version. There are no bonus tracks on this reissue.