STRANDED

"Stranded" is the 3rd full-length studio album by UK pop/rock act Roxy Music. The album was released through Island Records (Europe) and Atco Records (US) in November 1973. It´s the successor to "For Your Pleasure" from March 1973 and there´s been two lineup changes since the release of the predecessor as bassist John Gustafson has been added as a permanent member and keyboard player Brian Eno has left and has been replaced by the 19 years old Eddie Jobson (fresh out of a stint with Curved Air) who in addition to playing keyboards also brought his violin playing to the soundscape of Roxy Music.

Eno brought an experimental touch to Roxy Music sound, and the lack of that element has the effect on the material on "Stranded", that it´s generally a little more mainstream oriented, although it´s still quite sophisticated pop/rock. The material is generally well written, relatively memorable, and very well performed. Roxy Music are obviously very skilled musicians and it´s a great asset of the band´s music, to hear such a well playing band perform.

"Stranded" is well produced too, featuring an organic, detailed, and powerful sounding production job, which suits the material perfectly. So while Eno was arguably an integral part of what made the first two Roxy Music albums such unique releases, the band survived his departure and soldiered on without apparent ease and with just small adjustments. A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.