BREAKFAST IN AMERICA

In fact this review could be a sort of copy of my Crime of the Century review where I tried to point out the progressiveness of the songs on the album. It seems only fair to me to do the same thing with this also high valued album by the band (which I consider - I have to say it again - no more than prog related. Here we go.

1. Gone Hollywood. One of the better songs on the album (piano, sax !) but more pop than prog, so 2,75*

2. Logical Song. This one has been played to death on Dutch radio through the years and this hasn't really contributed to the popularity. One of those that start to bore with to much playing time. Besides that a downright pop hit. 1,5*

3. Goodbye Stranger. On itself nothing special and another pop hit but somehow this one actually does appeal to me. Especially the last 70 seconds are haunting and huge in quality. Unfortunately often skipped on Dutch radio. Obviously they don't appreciate proggy moments. 3,25 *

4. Breakfast in America. One of the worst and most annoying songs they ever produced. Besides that 100% pop and 0% prog. So only 1*

5. Oh Darling is much better but still just pop. I will give 2,25*

6. Take the long way home. Another big hit in their discography and actually a pretty good song according to my taste. But also this one at least 70% pop. 2,75*

7. Lord it's mine is a very nice ballad but again poppy and therefore just 2*

8. Just another nervous wreck is also one of the better compositions on this release but also this one doesn't quite live up to required prog standard. 2,5*

9. Casual Conversations is one of the few sung by Rick Davies and I like his voice a lot better than Hodgson's. A nice ballad but only 20% (or something) proggy. 2,5*

10. Child of Vision is one of the more proggy tracks on the album, if not the most. At least this one warrants the bands presence on PA a little bit. Because of this 3*.

I have to admit the album turned out a bit better than I had in mind. I'm somewhat ambivalent about Supertramp. I don't really hate them but don't love them either. I feel they are in the wrong subgenre on here. It should be prog related instead of crossover. Anyway, it's one of the reasons I can't give their albums high ratings. On a pop site or general music site also this one could score 3 or 3,5 stars for my taste. But here on PA again I (and Supertramp) will have to settle for just two.