Green
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Green catapulted R.E.M. from campus cult favorites to rock stars of the highest order. The album contains three of the Athens, Georgia, quartet's most popular radio hits ("Pop Song 89," "Stand," and "Orange Crush"), punching up the big rock hooks and letting the spooky independent production slip away. Some diehard fans cried "Sellout!" but that's a strange attitude given singer Michael Stipe's environmental activism. "I'm very scared of this world," he sings above jangling mandolins on "You Are the Everything." It's still unclear what he's trying to say, but at least we can understand the words this time. --Steve Knopper ... Read more

Reviews (90)

The bridge between old and new.
It always amuses me the way some call this garbage, and others say it's one of their best. I'll just call it a very solid REM release. To me "Green" is kind of the last album you can still hear the early sound a bit, but also hear what's on the way in tracks like "Orange Crush" and "You Are The Everything". "Stand" was a big hit at the time, but has since taken on a "Shiny Happy People" vibe about it. I also really like "Get Up" and "Wrong Child" alot, and honestly every track here is good at the least. REM have so many great albums out that it's hard to say what's best, but I'll always have a soft spot for "Green", since it's the first one of theirs I really absorbed. Oh, and there's 11 tracks, the 11th being one of the best.

Another good album, but the beginning of REM SELLING OUT
Im giving this album 3.5 stars. This is where my passionate relationship with REM (which sustained me through my miserable high School existence) came to a crashing end. After giving us works of art (yes, art) such as Murmur, Fables of the Reconstruction, Reckoning, Life's Rich Pagent and Document, REM gives us.......this. "Green" is not a bad album, it has its fair share of quality songs and the production is flawless (you can tell when they become more mianstream by listening to the production on each of their albums). By the time "Green" was dropped, Michael Stipe's voice was loud and clear on all their albums. No more straining to hear his lyrics. But they started to be heard on the radio waaaaay too much with this album. "Green" is also the album that had the REM song that I hated more than any other song they ever produced......."Stand." I hate that song. It's so commercial its disquesting. However......"Green" also has what I consider to be ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL REM songs ever written...."You Are The Everything." This is a simple song about taking a road trip. It's so right on target about laying in the back seat and watching the telephone wires go by and the scenery. Everytime I listen to this song, I reminisce about all the road trips I took as a child with my parents....laying in the back seat for HOURS upon HOURS watching the up and down motion on the telephone wires and the scenerey flood by. It's a really beautiful song. Another great song on this album is "World Leader Pretend" which can be applied today to that moron George W. Bush when Stipe states "It's amazing what devices you can sympathize, this is my mistake, let me make it good." Or more fitting "This is my world and I am, world leader pretend. This is my life, this is my time. I have been given the freedom to do as i see fit." However, in this song the world leader pretend sees the error of his ways and the power he commands and rectifies the situation by "razing the walls that he constructed." Great political song. Anyway....I also dislike the songs 'Pop Song 89' 'Get Up' and 'Turn You Inside Out.' Compared to their other albums, the quality of songs on "Green" fall short. Way Short. To anyone new to REM, please please please start with "Life's Rich Pagent" or "Document" before you move on to this album. I wouldnt want someones first impression of this fantastic group to be this album.

"It seems like it's all, it's all for nothing"
Green is my least favorite 1980s R.E.M. album.It reminds me of the later release Out of Time.There are flashes of brilliance and then a lot of ordinary, popsy songs that lack the unique sophisticated simplicity of earlier R.E.M. releases.It is more in-your-face pop with tracks like "Get Up" and "Pop Song 69" that veer so far away from what made R.E.M. such a great band.At least their big commercial success Automatic For the People had substance.A lot of these songs just seem like pop for pop's sake.

There are two reasons why I've kept my copy of this album, neither of which is the cheesy single "Stand."The first reason is the other superior single "Orange Crush." It reminds me of "The One I Love" in that it seems to just have one verse repeated over and over but is, musically, a very powerful sounding track that really kicks. The other reason is the beautiful "World Leader Pretend."Musically and lyrically it is one of the best tracks R.E.M. ever made.The simple piano sound really makes the song.R.E.M. often made the simplest things sound so amazing, and they do it again here."Turn You Inside Out" is an upbeat rocker.I like the use of the organ/keyboard on that track and it has a very catchy bass beat.The sombre "I Remember California" reminds me of Document's "Oddfellows Local 151."The rest of the album is not up to the high standards set by R.E.M. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LFU
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. College Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Don't Be Cruel
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Although his first solo record tanked, this release looked like the beginning of a superstar career. Brown, a former lead vocalist with New Edition (he was replaced by Johnny Gill, but both men participate in most NE reunions) has an appealing, if somewhat grainy, voice. It's a good match for the hip-hop beats that underpin some of the best songs here, especially "My Prerogative," which at the time sounded like an anthem. His ability to deftly merge R&B's upscale and hip-hop street esthetic (both Teddy Riley and Babyface produce tracks on this CD) changed the role of the rake hero. Sadly, this was Brown's lone significant musical moment as a solo artist. Except for marrying Whitney Houston, his life since has become a skein of self-destructive activities. --Martin Johnson ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Bobby Brown - A Legend In It's Self
Bobby Brown has the New-Jack Swing type of sound that brings people to the dance floor!Bobby Brown needs to make it to the top once again just like he did with this album...it's his perogative!

A landmark in R&B--fabulous album to this day!
Bobby Brown's Don't Be Cruel album may be the reason we still talk about him today.This album matches quite well with his bad boy image and superb artistry that he brings to it. The album opens strongly with two powerhouse funky numbers in Don't Be Cruel and My Prerogative before shifting to two lush ballads in Roni and Rock Wit'cha. Every Little Step continues the funk. The other songs that weren't hits were also good, such as Take It Slow and I Really Love You.And while Britney Spears may have done My Prerogative late last year for her greatest hits album and it's okay, it's no contest to Bobby's more hardcore version!This album is like the prelude to what Usher's Confessions album did in 2004, something that had major crossover success on R&B, pop and dance circles. It really represented the new jack swing trend so very well with its charging beats and rhythms. It was a huge hit all throughout late 1988 and most of 1989. I think that Bobby's recent troubles haven't affected this album one bit. In fact, most people would rather hear Bobby's music than the typical news report on him. Myself included. Though some of Bobby's albums haven't sold as strong as this one, this was him at his highest level. LA and Babyface along with Teddy Riley and others produced a fabulous high class album with Don't Be Cruel. This is like the What's Going on of the late '80s, an album that's had a major effect on music culture and the R&B landscape. It is still a classic record to this day! I hope that Bobby returns back to the top soon!

classic p-popping music
this music is amazing. i rembered it from when i was in elementry school and decided to check it out again now im a senoir in college. i cant beleive how good bobby brown is....this is some serious music for the club...every player should have a copy of this album...check out his track for the ghost busters movie "take control" .... bobby makes the chicks wanna get naked...enough said. ... Read more

Asin: B000002PHV
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. R&B   

Now & Zen
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Reviews (23)

Robert Plant unledded
First of all, if you buy a Robert Plant recording and expect it to sound like Led Zepplin, you will be seriously disappointed. Of course, that is exactly the point. Robert Plant wanted to be Robert Plant and not an imitation of his former band. After all, Led Zepplin consists of the creative energy of four individuals, not just one (even if he is the voice)! That having been said you may not know what to expect, that may be good or bad for you.

As for me, I particularly like Robert Plant's solo career. It is different. First of there are synthesizers, not overly domineering like on "Carouselambra" but definetely prominent. Second, the guitar playing is well more subdued and "lite" if you will, but at the same time extremely original, beautiful, and tasteful.

Now and Zen combines these two major elements to make a pleasent record. If you liked "Tall Cool One" don't be misled, the rest of the record does not sound like this song. Many of the songs are pretty atmospheric, with washes of melodic and haunting synths, and marked with tasteful licks of guitar throughout. On this cd are to be found beautiful laments (i.e. "Ship of Fools"), haunting dreamscapes, and even a few upbeat numbers. Yet, the songs on this record are consistently melodic and they pull you in with beautiful melodies.

If you are in the mood for some melodic music, yet not to hard, then you may enjoy this record. I am definitely biased and would like you to take a chance on it, yet what you hear may suprise you.

Nice work
Although I was into this album when it came out, it stll sounds good in 2005. Tall Cool One is a great rocker, Ship of Fools a classic. I think plant is in bloom here (somebody had to say it).

not bad - but not well-rounded
Robert Plant deserves a little more credit than he gets on this one - it has moments of truly fun rock - it is not the "comeback" album that was expected - but why should a middle age rocker be expected to reach the hights of there earlier career (although I think Morrissey has acheived that) Pretty good album - not something Plant will be remembered for obviously. ... Read more

Asin: B000002JLX
Sales Rank: 5523
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Hard Rock    3. Pop    4. Rock   

Melissa Etheridge
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (15 June, 1990)
list price: $13.98 -- our price: $13.98
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Editorial Review

Exploding onto the late 1980s rock scene with this energetic, sensual, and shamelessly personal debut, Melissa Etheridge instantly proved herself a skilled singer-songwriter and thunderstorm of a performer. This radio-friendly rock collection lays out the Etheridge fundamentals. "Bring Me Some Water," the driven, bluesy plea of an abandoned lover, is easily the strongest cut here. Its infectious rhythmic backdrop perfectly supports Etheridge's rowdy, passionate vocals to make this sexually charged lament unforgettable. This album also launched the radio favorite "Similar Features" and "Like the Way I Do," another uptempo, jealousy-laden rocker. Actually, the album is almost overripe with scathing indictments of former lovers, but it also makes it clear that Etheridge is a growing musician. These early efforts are so power-packed that it's easy to overlook redundancy and focus on all that raw emotion. --Sally Weinbach ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Might as well start off with a bang
Upon hearing Melissa Etheridge's debut album for the first time I was struck by two things; how real her songs sounded and how righteously she rocked.She obviously lived these songs, and the somewhat harrowing emotions that the songs stirred up weren't changed at all by the talk of her sexual orientation.If anything the revelation lent a new edge to the music.Our local rock station had several songs from this album in heavy rotation, which caused me to pick up the cd.I was happy to find out that she wasn't just a two song wonder as this disc was great from start to finish."Occasionally" was by far my favorite, but the radio hits "Like The Way I Do" and "Similar Features" would make any late 80's compilation I might throw together.I liked this album so much that I bought the next two without hearing a cut from them, something that's rare for me, but neither came close to the debut.

SOMEBODY BRING ME SOME WATER!
Unmistakeablely La-Etheridge is one of the top female rockers ever.Her debut album has her more harsh and raw songs.A personal favorite is the "Bring Me Some Water" what a better athem for jealousy and dispear of the impotence of wanting your lover back with you, this is a fine moment for rock music, but overall the album dellivers what you want in a rock.anthem.arena concert, pure stomper joints that rock your house head like crazy, this is a perfect debut and a fine predescesor for "Yes I Am" and "Your Little Secret" the best albums of Melissa, including this, a most have to any rocker.

The year is 1988...
I'm a sophomore in college.I hear the end of 'Bring Me Some Water' and am absolutely blown away.Who is this?There are very few songs and very few artists who captivate me with one listen, not even a whole song at that.Melissa Etheridge became one of them.

Never had I heard such passion, such emotion, such brooding and gutteral emotional reflections on an album.It tapped right into the darkness I was feeling and provided therapy to a wounded soul.It just sounded real.

After finding out who this artist was, I ran out and bought the album.I loved every single moment of it and played it and played it and played it.'Precious Pain' is perhaps the greatest song every laid down that taps into the rawness of our human emotions.

Every song is just as intense. She jams, she gets intensely quiet and she can play that guitar like nobody's business.

This is the real Melissa Etheridge, as far as I'm concerned.She strayed a bit as she became popular (seems to happen, no?) but it is here, close to her roots, where we discover the passion and power of her singing.

I sort of fell away from listening to her new stuff when her personal business got more attention (both from the media and from her) than her music.This is the one to which I always return when I need to reflect and really feel. ... Read more

Asin: B000001FSC
Subjects:  1. Adult Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Blues-Rock    3. Heartland Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock    6. Rock & Roll    7. Singer/Songwriter   

Introspective
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Reviews (20)

Color Bars In The House!!!
In the golden age of the #12 inch single the Pet Shop Boys deliver an album consisting of six house/disco grooves-always excellent,often extatic!"Left To My Own Devices" and "Domino Dancing" manage to be great extended mixes AND great tunes while
"I Want A Dog" pulses and gooses along nicely.The Pet Shop Boys
continue to give dance music a good name with their classy writing,witty lyricism and clever arrangments so even the mechanical nature of the synthesized music sounds pretty cool.
Highly recommended!

Can it be introspective?
The Pet Shop Boys have a habit of releasing 'minor' albums between their major releases. Between their first and second albums, Please and Actually, they released Disco, a six-track piece which featured no real new material, but rather remixes of previously released tracks (some primary, some B-side works).

Between Actually and Behaviour, the Pet Shop Boys released this album, Introspective, another minor album, with six tracks. However, this time there was new material--remixes of two previously released pieces, and four new works. This was done in an interesting format--each of the tracks on the album were in the form of 'extended dance versions', usually the kind of thing one gets when purchasing the single apart from the album. However, to get the tradition 'album' version of songs such as Domino dancing, Left to my own devices, or It's alright, one had to purchase the singles. This was an interesting marketing ploy, and extended the sales and life of this small album far beyond what it otherwise would have had.

Domino dancing was released first, and a classic Pet Shop Boys sound took over dance floors worldwide, combined with a Latin rhythm which was also in vogue during the fall of 1988. This had also perhaps the last MTV-hit video for the Pet Shop Boys; after this time, the videos released by the Pet Shop Boys no longer fit the game-show-and-rap-video dominated MTV schedule, although their videos continued to be played extensively on Euro-MTV.

Left to my own devices features more of the signature obscure-intellectual lyrics that Neil Tennant has been noted for:

I was faced by a choice at a difficult age,
would I write a book, or should I take to the stage,
but in the back of my head, I heard distant feet
Che Guevara and Debussy to a disco beat.

Simple music tracks backing introspective lyrics (perhaps this is how the album came by its title--Introspective).

I'm not scared was actually written for Patsy Kensit and Eighth Wonder (not so much of a wonder, in fact!), and was produced as a single for them by the Pet Shop Boys, before Eighth Wonder decided they did not care for the collaboration. (Take note--where are they today?) The Pet Shop Boys did their own version on this album which, while it was not released as a single, fared rather better than the Eighth Wonder version critically and in radio playtime.

It's alright was released immediately prior to their tour in the summer of 1989, actually long past the 'hot' time of the album, but served to show the enduring value of the Pet Shop Boys--that their albums can sit on the shelves for some time and lose none of their luster. Originally written by Chicago-House artist Sterling Void, this song was revitalised, had some new lyrics inserted, and became a hit for the Pet Shop Boys, their last for over a year, until Behaviour and its attendant singles began to be released late in 1990.

This is an album really for fans, but it is, like most of their albums, remarkably consistent in the look-and-feel of all songs, high quality and interesting to the ear.

"Essential New Wave / Dance"
The Pet Shop Boys have an impressive catalogue of material to buy and listen to and in my opinion "Introspective" especially this version which is remastered and has an additional disc chock full of gems included is truly an amazing feat in sound. If you like new wave / dance music this is an essential recording for your collection at least I think so. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UTK
Sales Rank: 41570
Subjects:  1. Dance Music    2. Pop   

Live In Australia With The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $17.98
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Features

• Live

Reviews (32)

TheDefinitive Elton John Collection
This album to me is the definitive Elton John collection. The choice of songs is impeccable. Mostly made up of songs from the early years of the John-Taupin relationship, it is the definitive way Elton should be heard. The older songs such as "Sixty Years On", "The Greatest Discovery", and "The King Must Die" are rare nuggets that reveal a time when the writing styles of the duo was very raw. In my opinion, the version of "Tonight" is a lot richer sounding than the version on "Blue Moves". "Tiny Dancer" and "Burn Down the Mission" are Elton concert staples, but are given added luster with the addition of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. And of course this is the album that brought "Candle In The wind" back to the masses. Released as the single from the album,it brought Elton back to the Top 10 after approximately 4 year absence. True Elton fans know that right after this album was recorded, Elton had nodules removed from his throat. Knowing this adds to the rawness of his vocals and the emotions from the recordings.(Elton did not know the severity of his throat problems at the time.) Given all of this, "Live In Australia" defines Elton John's career and is a cornerstone of his catalog that all fans should have. If I am introducing someone to Elton John, this is the album I would buy them.

I got connections
This is by far my favourite Elton John album, because my Dad's on it!!! He was 1st cellist in the Melbourne Symphony at the time. He doesn't get a mention in the liner notes sadly, but he is on the video many times. And call me liar if you will, but I did meet the man after the concert, I was 8 though (damn). His signed photo is hanging behind me.

But enough about me. As for the album, I just liked how a lot of the less popular songs were performed. Almost in the same ideal as Metallica's S&M, but of course Elton's songs are alot easier to orchestrate. Tiny Dancer, Don't Let the Sun and Tonight were my favourites.

Live
What I don't understand about this album is the fact he has only played songs from his early career. THis was in 1987, so why not have soemthign from all periods instead of just from his early days. He could have done Nikita, Sad Songs, Little Jeannie, Blue Eyes, I'm still standing, I mean an orchestra would have sounded good doing "Empty Garden" or "Legal Boys" But alas, this is a great album of live material of his early days, recorded in 1987. ... Read more

Asin: B000002O88
Sales Rank: 7158
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Album Rock    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Singer/Songwriter    7. Soft Rock   

Turn Back the Clock
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (29 June, 1992)
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Reviews (10)

No need to Turn Back The Clock. Still sounds great!
I put this cd in to test for skipping and not only did the CD play perfectly, but it was a testament to music from the 80s that does not sound dated.
Most of the 80s hits were synth-heavy songs that either sound like toys by today's standards or just plain ol' dated.
Not so with JHJ.Except for the fact that this album came out in 1988 and for the drums it could have been made today.Now while Shattared Dreams is the hit that makes the 80's oldies lists, other songs that are wonderful are Turn Back The Clock, What Other Reason and Different Seasons.Ok those are ballads.Here are some fun uptempos: Don't Say It's Love and I Don't Want To Be A Hero.

One of my favorite albums from 1988!
I loved this album and hated to see them break up after one-two albums.They had pop that was ahead of its time.I still love and listen to Shattered Dreams. I'm sure those members have some 15 homes or so now from the royalties and continous heavy airplay of that song to this day! I still hear it in some stores, even Walgreen's!I also Like Turn Back the Clock, Don't Say It's Love and the rest of the album.The songs are keyboard heavy, but the focus on the melodies and rhythms are the same as any typical bare bones live band.Shattered's dramatic percussion breakdown is so peerless done and its different chord changes match well to a sports car going across some difficult curves on a mountain road.It's a good driving album to hear in your car, as I have heard it sometimes.Some critics didn't like it and I despised the cold reviews given to the album. Shattered even gave George Michael's One More Try (which was No. 1) some competition as it went to No. 2 in the US and was stuck there in June 1988.If only it got to No. 1, because it was played so heavy at the time! Don't Let It End This Way, Heart of Gold and I Don't Want To Be A Hero have some funky grooves to them! I was surprised that the album didn't sell well in 1988, maybe 200,000 or so.I'd still get this album if it's in the stores on CD.Very well done pop and they had a clean and polished image for the album cover.

good pop
Many songs were singles (heart of gold, turn back the clock). it's a good and steady 80s pop album. Kim Wilde is in the background. ... Read more

Asin: B000007O09
Sales Rank: 20540
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Sophisti-Pop   

Ooh Yeah!
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98
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Reviews (11)

At their Peak!
My personal opinion about this album is that this is one of there best pieces of work. They were at the top of their game when they made this album back in the late 80's. Every track is fresh enough to surpass time itself-even today. I have been thouroughly impressed by this album ever since I put it in my fathers 1990 CD player back in the day when they where just starting to get popular. Every song is uplifting and hip no matter what kind of mood your in or what your doing during the day. If you say that your a Hall and Oats fan, I strongly recommend that you add this as an essential part of your collection. Though slightly neglected in their greatest hits collection, nothing beats this album. In retrospect your better off ordering it online because you wont find it in cd stores.

Hall & Oates' Arista debut
Almost four years after the release of Daryl Hall & John Oates' BIG BAM BOOM album on the RCA label,they found a new home at Arista. In between,Hall recorded a solo album and he and Oates,as a team,took an extended studio break. The spring of 1988 saw the release of this album which spawned the hits EVERYTHING YOUR HEART DESIRES,MISSED OPPORTUNITY and DOWNTOWN LIFE. I have to admit that the digital percussion sounds a bit different then heard on the songs from BBB. In 1990,H&O put out their second Arista album,CHANGE OF SEASON,and afterward took a much longer studio break(this one lasted seven years).

I mean come on, with a title like Ooh Yeah?
I was a bit skeptical about this album. I had read some really bad reviews of it, and that H&O peaked at Big Bam Boom. This is not the case though, as this is a great album! Well,great track 1-6. I thought that up through Rockability this album is unbelieveable, and stands up to the best they've ever done.At Rocket to God though, the album falls apart. I can stand Rocket to God, but I don't like too. Soul Love isn't very good in my opinion, same with Keep On Pushin' Love. Realove is better, but still doesn't stand up with the rest of the album. Overall, a great album. ... Read more

Asin: B000002VFG
Sales Rank: 61998
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Rock   

Green Thoughts
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.99
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Reviews (3)

Please someone stop me thinking that Green Thoughts is GREAT
I found this cd through some random thrift shop pillaging and have been praising the heavens ever since. Green Thoughts is one of those albums that are so amazingly catchy and beautiful to the ears you have to listen to it on repeat ten-thousand times over.

The tracks on Green Thoughts focus around heartache but despite their emo-esque titles (i.e. Drown In My Own Tears, Deep Black, If The Sun Dosen't Shine) its amazingly accessible 1987 vibe puts across more than just the loneliness of a relationship gone sour. Green Thoughts is The Car's with soul and and Elvis Costello with power chords.

If you happen to be looking for an album with some beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics, Green Thoughts is where it's at. It really is incredible.

Laudable effort fails to grasp arcanum
Tuneful, guitar-oriented power-pop without a thought in its head other than getting to the next great hook-laden chorus -- which most times, unfortunately, just ain't as great or hook-laden as it oughta be, given ersatz-Top 40 format. Borrows heavily from British Invasion greats, though not remotely in same league; still, entertaining on its own limited terms. Guranteed you'll end up pining for the real thing -- Unit 4 + 2 or Gerry, let alone the Yardbirds, Pretty Things, or _Kinks_, for cryin' out loud. (And don't that particularly golden pop-music heyday look more like some divine abberation with each passing year?)

Solid 2nd effort.
The songs on here are a lttle lighter than on their first release and they try to branch out musically a little more with songs like "Especially For You" and "Spellbound", neither of which is in theirtried-and-true Beatles-Who-Kinks vein. Like all their CD's, this isconsistent all the way through. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UDP
Sales Rank: 52180
Subjects:  1. Bar Band    2. College Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Rock    5. Rock & Roll   

Diesel and Dust
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
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Editorial Review

Few would claim that Midnight Oil's Peter Garrett is the world's greatest rock vocalist, but he clearly means what he sings. On Diesel and Dust, Garrett and company serve up a collection of solid pop-rock songs that follow the groundwork laid by their early albums. Intrinsic to their sound is a guitars-bass-drums attack spiced occasionally with horns and keyboards and capped with Garrett's throaty vocals. Garrett's lyrics on Deisel and Dust are noteworthy because they are not about love or personal relationships but instead address larger issues. "Beds Are Burning" is a call to return the land expropriated from Australia's aboriginal peoples, while "The Dead Heart" and "Bullroarer" celebrate their rich cultural heritage. Many bands and artists have made some sort of political or social concern apparent in their work, but few have done so as consistently, dedicatedly, and tunefully as Midnight Oil. --Al Massa ... Read more

Reviews (41)

One of the best Midnight Oil Albums released
Whilst not always agreeing with the messages in Midnight Oil's songs I do love the music. Few can disagree that this band has talent that is raw, wonderfully smooth and refreshing from this Australian long time band that has just recently separated after a marathon time together. This album shows the rich culture and attitude of MO and 'Deisel and Dust' is the best that Australiana has to offer.

This CD has messages in each of the song from the plea to return land to the dispossessed native inhabitance of Australia to a celebration of the rich coastal and inland culture of the Australian landscape and culture. Looking at reviews it is nice to see that many Americans have taken to this band and makes me proud in some ways to witness a band like MO have such an impact on other people's from across the oceans.

This is a deserved album of all praise it has recieved. MO effort in validating their stamp on the Australian music scene for some generations to come is apparent. Listen and heed the message of Peter Garrett and those rascals from Down Under!

is what we breathe
As most Oils fans and critics have noted, Peter Garrett and crew have a decidedly political bent.Truth be told, most listeners (this one included) have very little knowledge of the Australian issues Garrett advocates, and as passionately as he voices them, most listeners won't seek to act upon these revelations.Whether that makes the listener irresponsible or not is another topic....

The appeal outside of Australia for Diesel and Dust lies in the universality of its themes."Put Down that Weapon" seems as relevant now as when it was recorded; "Sell My Soul" could relate to any listener and his/her temptations; "Sometimes" provides inspiration in the unrelenting human spirit.Throw in seamless rockers "The Dead Heart", "Beds Are Burning" and "Dreamworld" and you have quite a gem of an album - arguably among the top 5 of the decade.One could nitpick and argue that the live cuts from Scream in Blue of some of these songs are better (true); others may point out that quieter pieces from Blue Sky Mining such as "One Country" and "Antarctica" top the quieter ones from Diesel and Dust (ditto).Nevertheless, the impact and appeal of Diesel and Dust are unrivaled in the Oils history.

Who cares about the message? I LIKE THIS MUSIC
So much is made about the message of these songs.Forget about that.

The thing that I like are the songs themselves.These are not one hit wonders.Midnight Oil delivers one of the best CD's of all time.I liked every song, and rated 6 of the 9 songs as 5's and the rest 3's.I've had this CD for more than ten years and still listen to it often.It's in my must have travel bag.

Buy it and you will thank me.

... Read more

Asin: B0000026DJ
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Alternative Pop/Rock    3. Aussie Rock    4. Australia    5. College Rock    6. Pop    7. Rock   

All That Jazz
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (34)

the best ever album i owned & bought
the reason i bought this album then were because of 2 songs titled "HOW CAN I FALL? & HANDS TO HEAVEN" everytime I would like to pop it in my CD player I would only play these two songs & skip the rest in the album then one time I was sitting on the couch pondering what task should i do first to start my day, I inadvertently played this in my CD player & I heard the first track & I said to myself "not a bad song" then after that ALL THAT JAZZ the second track played man! I'm becoming drawn to each in every track in the album that i end up playing the whole album countless of times! man this album is awesome! I couldn't get tired from listening to it up to now over & over as a matter of fact i'm listening to it right now while i'm writing this review! again buy this album & you won't regret it especially if you're a fan of jazzy pop music both slow or up tempo i've been enjoying this! THANK YOU BREATHE FOR THE GOOD MUSIC!

"All that jazz, that Hollywood jazz"
Man, this album brings back memories. But besides the two obvious reasons most people will buy this album (those two reasons being "Hands to Heaven" and "How Can I fall"), "All That Jazz" will seep into your CD rotation more and more prominently, and before you know it, you'll know the lyrics to every soulful pop gem on this album.

The standout tracks besides the two big hits are "All That Jazz", "Jonah", "Liberties of Love" and "For Love or Money", which appears on the UK release (the version here on Amazon is the US version).

A Classic!
I have owned "All That Jazz" since shortly after it's release.Originally I did not give Breathe much thought but the girl I was in love with at the time liked the song "Hands to Heaven" so I bought the CD to see what they were all about.Well, it's almost 16 years later, the girl is long gone, but I find myself drawn to this recording over and over again."All That Jazz" is truly a classic that has stood the test of time.Breathe was a talented band who unfortunately had a short life.Absolutely one of my favorites! ... Read more

Asin: B000002GHL
Sales Rank: 7298
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Pop    3. Rock   

What Up, Dog?
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (16)

Still a classic album of pop and soul from 1988!
Most people know Don Was for his producing Bonnie Raitt's comeback album of '89, the B-52's '89 hit album and others.But few know that he was with the band Was Not Was.This album I still remember from 1988.It didn't sell as well, but it is a wonderful 64 minute album of some pop and soul songs just very well performed and done.I love Spy In the House of Love and its live mystery feel.The Boom Boom Shaka laka laka boom chorus of Walk the Dinosaur is still superb.But another favorite is Wedding Vows in Vegas and its humor.The album has some funny titles, but the songs cover a wide range of American music in its span. This was the setting point for Don Was' musical dominance in the early '90s!

Move on!
Don and David are not unique or hugely talented. I do believe "Shadow and Jimmy" proves my point. There is nothing original nor spectacular about their music, which is why they didn't make it big. Conceptually they were precocious, but they are not musicians in the true sense of the word. They make better producers, especially Don.Today, their sound in What up Dog is digitally infantile, but good for 1988. David's lyrics are repetative and lack compassion/empathy. For the most part it was about men taking advantage of women.If, God forbid, they were to release another album, I'm afraid we'd be in for more of the same: Sophisticated digital concoctions and a soap opera, lyrical account of women being taken advantage.No, please don't do it!Move on....

Boom boom acka lacka lacka boom
Those six words represent this album, this generation, this band, and this planet that we call earth. I will always love this album, and espescially love "Walk the DInosaur".

We were all partying at my apartment. It was 11:45 and were were all rowdy and high waiting for HeadBanger's Ball to come on MTV. Well right before it did, Walk the Dinosaur came on with those four women dressed up like Pebbles Flinstone. Well to make a long story short, this chick in my place that I had never met before, leaped across the room and put a lip lock on me. What a honey she was.

Well I don't know whatever happened to her, but everytime I hear this album, I'm reminded how much fun it is to be young, single, and have the responsibility of a rock. ... Read more

Asin: B000008M4L
Sales Rank: 47448
Subjects:  1. College Rock    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock   

Lovesexy
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $10.99
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Reviews (63)

So glam it's absurd !
This was a pivitol time in Prince's carrer and it showed his new designs for the future. He lost lisa and wendy and after he pulled the black album he felt a new spirital uplifting. these events led to this album and this album led to the NPG as we know them. The first track "Eye No" is a funky band like number that showed where Prince was going Musicly with the implimentation of a band in his product. "Alphabet St." what needs to be said about one of this artist greatest hits of all time. This song is a funkier extended version of the one that is on the hit's so I really request you listen to it. "Glam slam" is my personal favorite on this disk because of pure orcestraition. In this song prince uses a symphony with beautiful violin arrangements. He used Clarie Fischer who he worked with a lot on Parade to give it that french feel. "Anna Stesia" is a highly emotional song with ties to his new religous findings. This is a very nice song and one that really came from the man's heart. "dance on" really makes you want to get up and dance with it's soulful guitar licks. This song has a nice job done on the drums which brings it all together. "lovesexy" is a smoth funky cross between funk and pop. It can be to quirky for some people but others will be open to it. " I wish U Heaven" is a song that gives an uplifting sort of feeling. it is a popish bubble gum feel that has a soulful creshindo in the chorus to it that really makes it mellow and versitile. "Positivity" is a funky feel to it but doesn't follow in its funk predisecors footsteps. This album overall is to me one of his finest efforts and definatly worth it's 5 star rating.

Masterpiece!
Prince's "Lovesexy" might've been a commercial disaster but it has a place in my heart. "Lovesexy" made me the Prince fan that I am today. First off, Prince was bold enough to not add tracks to the album. Listening to the album in full made me appreciate the album a lot more. The songs intertwine with eachother. From "Eye No" to "Positivity" you're taken to Paisley Park and living your purple life. No really, listening to this album put you in a world unlike this one.All of the songs had a distinct message and was a experience. I think songs like "Glam Slam" and "I Wish U Heaven" should've gotten more radio play and could've been appreciated a lot more. "Lovesexy" was a lighter album compared to the dark and more controversial "Black Album".

Fairly Good Thrown Together Substitute For The Black Album
The Black Album wasn't going to be done. So Prince did this album. It's ONE track which was a bad idea. One of his first really bad ones. However, the music is compelling. Not much on here is really as memorable as his earlier stuff, but there is a lot of fun music on the album. I never want to turn this album off when I listen to it. I haven't listened to it much, I've only owned it a year or so. So I can't really describe the individual songs very well. I think it's worth getting, but not first. ... Read more

Asin: B000002LE6
Sales Rank: 12305
Subjects:  1. Pop    2. R&B   

The Right Stuff
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Reviews (11)

Nice Debut!!!!
This is a nice album I like it I enjoy it and it contains some nice songs. I like dreamin', the right stuff, and Darlin I, I enjoy Vanessa's workshe can sing, dance, and act. And she is beautiful also she has won awards for her work . This is a nice cd and a must have for any Vanessa Williams fan.

A voice as smooth as silk......
All these years later and I still enjoy this cd.I think that Vanessa surprised lots of people when she proved that she could sing and then as time went on she proved that she had "staying power" and was not a one or two hit wonder.I love all of the songs but favs are The Right Stuff,Dreamin'and Darlin' I.I would recommend this cd to anyone, you will not regret it.

Hot Stuff
A great album of R&B & Dance songs from an underappreciated talent! Buy it! ... Read more

Asin: B000001FOV
Sales Rank: 34536
Subjects:  1. Adult Contemporary    2. Dance-Pop    3. Pop    4. R&B    5. Urban   

Small World
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (24 April, 2001)
list price: $18.98
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Features

• Import
• Original recording remastered

Reviews (14)

A rare gem
This album, together with Fore!, are the best Huey Lewis albums ever.The melodies and instrumentals are very solid, and I never grow tired of them."World To Me" and "Old Antone's" really stand out.

Sounds great!
I bought "Small World" when it was first released, and I was a bit disappointed.Of course, their prior two albums (Sports, Fore!) where jammed packed with hits."Small World" had fewer obvious hits, and indeed only "Perfect World" hit the Top 10.However, in retrospect, the CD sounds great and has much more diversity than their other CDs.Several songs have a terrific zydeco/Louisiana flavor, such as "Old Antwone's" and "Bobo Tempo."They also have a couple of instrumentals that sound great and highlight their growth as musicians, such as "Small World (Part Two)."

Sadly, "Small World" was the group's last major hit CD.If they had continued on this trajectory, they may have ended up making music pretty similar to Hootie and the Blowfish and other early 90's hitmakers.However, much of their later music took on the sound of 50s and 60s rock (their "Four Chords..." CD featured remakes of old rock songs).Don't let the lack of success of these later CDs scare you away.Huey Lewis and the news are a great, under-appreciated rock band.

Under Exposed Classic
I am a HLN fan...be forewarned

It's a great album that even as a fan I didn't really appreciate until many years later. It's rich, solid sound with a real emphasis on the bands talent. They never sounded better. There are quite a few gems on this disc that never saw the light of day...an absolute shame. ... Read more

Asin: B00004Y58G
Sales Rank: 45386
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Bar Band    3. Pop    4. Pop/Rock    5. Rock    6. Rock/Pop   

Henry Lee Summer
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Reviews (15)

Great Debut From Henry Lee Summer
Henry Lee Summer's debut album is great. The opening song, "Wish I Had A Girl", was the big hit single, but there's plenty more where that one came from. When this album came out, Summer was often compared by critics to John "Cougar" Mellencamp, but a good listen reveals that anyone who compares the two belongs in a mental institute. In fact, their voices are totally different. Summer uses much less folk instrumentation than Mellencamp was using at the time, so the rights of people who compare the two are not automatically coextensive with those of people who see each of them as unique. Check this one out and hear it for yourself.

Danielle Don't.... fail to buy this album!
There isn't a song on this album that I don't like!Hands on the Radio sums about a whole lot of my life.Three of the songs (Danielle Don't, I'll Wait for You, and oh, geez, I can't recall the name of the other one) are some of the greatest break-up songs of all time.I remember when I Wish I Had A Girl was on continuous play on MTV.But that's not even the best song on the album.They're all great.Wing Tip Shoes?My theme song for every job I ever had!It's like this guy crawled inside my head and wrote songs for every emotion!Great artist. Great album.Must have!

If you LOVE Tommy Castro and blues/rock... buy this album
If you love blues-rock, Henry Lee Summer will not steer you wrong. The guy has been going strong for quite some time and has cranked out 5 albums: 1) self titled 2)I've Got Everything 3)Way Past Midnight 4)Slamdunk and thisyear 5)Smoke & Shadows. I first saw this guy open for Chicago at theConcord Pavilion in '89... he put on a hell of a show and I bought thealbum within the week. ... Read more

Asin: B0000026CY
Sales Rank: 68643
Subjects:  1. Heartland Rock    2. Pop    3. Pop/Rock    4. Rock   

Big Thing
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (12 September, 2000)
list price: $13.98
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Reviews (15)

Give me the playlist and watch me eat it
Coming off the horn heavy funk of "Notorious," Duran Duran the trio stripped the sound down to some heavy beats for "Big Thing." The first single, "I Don't Want Your Love," sounded like a re-invention. Incorporating the current house and new-jack dance trends at the time, it was a major leap away from the candy-floss of "Rio." "All She Wants Is" carried the same sort of dance-floor urgency, and the title track was an arena ready thumper.

But the trademark lushness wasn't ever too far off. "Too Late Marlene" and "Land" are everything you'd expect from Duran Duran, rich arrangements, Simon's grandiose lyrics and Nick Rhodes' atmospheric keyboards. But perhaps "Big Thing's" best moment is the tribute to the band's late friend Alex Sadkin, "Do You Believe In Shame." Slowing down the swamp groove of "Suzie Q" and laying in an emotional vocal, "Shame" connects on a level that only a few songs in the DD library have ever done before.

Equally as good as "Notorious," and in my opinion, better than the "Wedding Album."

'Great' Big Thing
I used to think that the best Duran Duran album was 'Rio'.That opinion has changed.In part due to it wearing out its welcome with repeated listening, in larger part due to 'Big Thing'.

This was probably the Duran album that I was most indifferent towards when I first heard it.But over time it has proven itself to be a masterpiece of pop craftsmanship.

'Big Thing' was released in 1988 when the popular music world was starting to tire of Duran and was largely slept on.However, of all of Duran's 80's releases, this is perhaps the only one that manages not to sound dated and holds up today.There is lush balladry ('Palomino', 'Land'), solid uptempo numbers ('I Don't Want Your Love', 'All She Wants Is'), and great pop songwriting ('Too Late Marlene', 'Do You Believe In Shame').Nothing is overstated on this album save for the title track.All of the album's tracks work seamlessly together for an ethereal listening experience.

This is the album that demonstrates the soul of Duran.

Big Thing is a big deal to me
The song Big Thing sounds very dirty and I wonder if it wasn't written in hopes of reliving another dirty sounding song The Reflex.Fun to listen to though. And I do see a non-dirty, though exploitative, message to it so it seems to be a double entendre. I Don't Want Your Love is one of their hits and it's pretty good, though not the best song on the album.All She Wants Is has a great chorus (it's just "All She Wants Is" repeated over and over again but it works very well for the song, I believe).It gives this song the feeling of a sort of mixture of weariness and insanity though the verses are weird.Great video for that one. The song Drug is very crass but I've gotten used to it.Do You Believe In Shame? is so beautiful and one of their best songs dedicated to three of their friends who passed away.It has some of the most poignant lyrics in it I believe. I also got hooked on Edge of America (which is a rather pessimistic song, if you consider the lyrics "If you're tired of searching, this is where it ends, there's nothing left to lose, nothing to protest, learn to love your anger now, anger here is all you possess, welcome to the edge" pessimistic) which leads right into Lake Shore Driving.Very interesting transition.So I'm unsure if it's basically one song disguised as two or what. But it wouldn't be Duran Duran without complete and utter confusion. Palomino is beautiful too, though the chorus is repeated one too many times if you want my honest opinion.But the music is so pretty that you never want the chorus to end anyway.It's kind of the same with Too Late, Marlene which repeats "Too Late, too late, too late, Marlene (It's too late)" for a full minute or so.Once again, I think the band just didn't want that chorus to ever end, it's so cool.
And I've conspicuously left the interludes and Land out.Nothing to say on those.Well, actually, I really do like Land.It has beautiful lyrics though the tune is kind of annoying in places.It took me a little while to get into it.It's one of those songs you have to give a shot because perhaps you won't like it on first hearing it.As for the interludes, they are very short and I don't think they serve much purpose but they don't detract from the album. Great album for fans, I believe. ... Read more

Asin: B000024KBZ
Sales Rank: 51146
Subjects:  1. Dance-Pop    2. Pop    3. Rock    4. Rock/Pop    5. Synth Pop   

Open Up and Say...Ahh!
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $11.98
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Editorial Review

The second song on this album from the premier pop-metal band of the '80s sums up perfectly what Poison was all about: "Nothin' But a Good Time" isn't exactly deep, but it's a fun song. There's other good stuff on what is unquestionably Poison's best album; "Love on the Rocks" and "Look But You Can't Touch" show that this band is at its best when it's not taking itself seriously, though the wistful "Fallen Angel" remains one of Poison's best songs. "Every Rose Has Its Thorn," on the other hand, has nothing to distinguish it from the flood of power ballads of the late 80s. The cover of "Your Mama Don't Dance," however, more than makes up for this, with the sense of fun and humor that made Poison so entertaining. --Genevieve Williams ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Party on Wayne, Party on Garth
This is not brain surgery! They were looking for "nothing but a good time" and they wanted you to have fun with them. Once you go past the makeup and silly clothing, you get a party record. Is that not what rock n roll music was to be? You have two camps of rockers "I want a woman, so lets go party!" and "I want to change the world with my music." We all know which one of these are Poison! I think it is time to bring back the original album cover guys.

Very Bad Pop Metal......
Hairspray,Spandex,makeup and a goofy guitar player. Sounds like a recipe for disaster to me.Take the worst parts of Alice Cooper,The Worst parts of Kiss add some average muscicians and trite song writing and you get Poison. God how I wish the 80's would just go away.......

Not Your Average Hair Band
Yes, at one time, Poison was my favorite music act.While my tastes have expanded somewhat as I've gotten older (I can't see myself liking this same type of music if it were released today), I still fondly look back on the music I listened to as a pre-teen/teenager (for the most part anyway).

Poison is one of those bands that has managed to keep my interest.I may not listen to their music as frequently as I once did; but, it still gets a hum or two out of me when I pop one of their cds in.

"Open up and Say... Ahh!" was Poison's second release.The album was released in 1988 at the height of the pop metal craze.Perhaps no band epitomized that musical style better than Poison.To the trained ear though, Poison's music was different from their pop metal brethren.

Poison always had a bit of a power punk sound underneath the music that gave it a bit of a schoolyard feel.While other bands could creep you out singing about young girls and having fun, as if they were middle-aged weirdos trying to hang on to their youths, Poison always came off as authentic in that regard.The slightly different sound they had was just enough to make that happen.

While this release is a little more straight rock than their debut album, "Look What the Cat Dragged In", "Open up and Say... Ahh!" still has a bit of that sound on tracks like "Your Mama Don't Dance" and "Look but You Can't Touch".

"Open up and Say... Ahh!" was the apex (or nadir, depending upon you viewpoint) of the pop metal scene.Like disco, it's likely a musical genre that's time will not return.For those who remember it fondly, Poison will always be the exemplar. ... Read more

Asin: B000002UE9
Subjects:  1. Hair Metal    2. Hard Rock    3. Heavy Metal    4. Pop    5. Pop-Metal    6. Rock   

Starfish
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $10.98 -- our price: $10.98
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Reviews (41)

College radio stalwarts' "one-hit wonder" mainstream success
The Church had been mainstays of college radio (i.e., "alternative rock", without the marketing/P.R.) for years leading up to this thoroughly accessible (but no less brilliant) neuvo-psychedelic classic that scores from opening track to closing echo in a whirwind of dreamy, breathy vocals and effects-laden guitars chiming away like some ethereal clock ticking away to enlightenment.

ANYONE over the age of 35 should be familiar with the band's signature track "Under The Milky Way", one of the tracks from 1988 which pretty much set the table for the rise of college radio as mainstream "alternative rock" in the early '90's ("Head Like A Hole" from Nine Inch Nails and "Mountain Song" by Jane's Addiction being two others); it is a simple song given a lush arrangement and production values that fly under the radar...until you try to play the song yourself and realize that your effort, note-perfect thought it may be, sounds nothing like the Church's album version.Any band would be thankful to be associated by default with such a beautiful song.

And though it may be the most recognizable track and the one most likely to be remembered by casual fans, the strength of this album is that there are no throwaway tracks to be found (with the possible exception of "Spark", perhaps not incoincidentally one of the tracks bassist/main lyricist/vocalist Steve Kilbey does NOT sing lead vocal)."Destination", The opening track sets the mood perfectly, a single guitar followed by bass and drums, each seeming to attempt more restrain than the other follow, leading to a crescendo that takes you instead back to the beginning as Kilbey begins the first verse."Under The Milky Way" is a perfect successor track."Blood Money" is a bit of a let-down in the three spot; it seems to be two (at least) partial songs combined to form one with decidely mixed results.

"Lost", however, is an absolute joy to listen to.It's a total stoner vibe (I still remember the Rolling Stone write-up where Kilbey said "It might help to take a lot of acid to better understand my lyrics") that you just can't help laying back and closing your eyes to as you drift off to...somewhere."North, South, East and West" brings you back, splash-of-cool-water-in-the-face style with a fantastic guitar riff that announces the most up-tempo and aggressive song on the album.Fantastic guitar work by both Marty Willson-Piper and Peter Koppes.

Track 6, the afore-mentioned "Spark" would lead off Side 2 of this album on LP or cassette, weakly in my opinion.Its attitude is out-of-place on this album, and I almost never listen to it."Antenna" is a different story, though.A finer waltz beat in pop music hasn't been heard since the days of the Doors."Reptile", the second single/video, is another up-tempo song with an almost schizophrenic distinction between verse and chorus.Steve Kilbey's bass slithers between the guitars of Koppes and Willson-Piper as the defining instrument of the song.

Peter Koppes turns the lead vocal on the longing "New Season", jingle-jangly Byrds-like guitars a-plenty and "Hotel Womb" closes the album on an upbeat note, praising the endless succession of sanctuaries found on the road, the hotel rooms where it IS possible for travelling musicians to avoid more trouble than they can get into.

It could be said that the Church never released an album as cohesive as "Starfish" again, though the musicianship from this album remains a constant.This is the most accessible effort the Church would ever produce, and anyone who appreciates good songwriting, artful arrangement, and general psychedelia will find a regular rotation slot for this CD.It is absolutely one of the finest albums of the 1980's and produced so sufficiently free of the gimmicks of that era that it still sounds relevant today.Not an easy trick for most of that decade's better releases.

Excellent/Original
Great vocals and original lyrics.This group is under rated in the US.I love everything about this album!The lead singer is also the bass player, very different and once you start the album, you have to hear it all!

Timeless cult classic
I may be the only reviewer who saw the Church live onstage in their heydey (no pun intended) and this album captures the melodic Church, but Peter Koppes on guitar live is like nothing I've ever seen since.I met Steven Kilbey too - talked about his Fender guitar, rare combination of inspiring singer and a nice guy.This album definitely worth a try and you may be absorbed (like me) once it's on."Blood Money" was a key song in Miami Vice episode "Heart of Night" about Lt. Castillo's exwife being kidnapped and definitely made that show memorable.

I thought I was listening to the Church when I heard Coldplay's "A Rush of Blood to the Head" album.Especially "In My Place" and "God Put a Smile upon Your Face" -so another generation has been influenced by the Church.good. ... Read more

Asin: B000002VF0
Sales Rank: 13942
Subjects:  1. Alternative Pop/Rock    2. Australia    3. College Rock    4. Finland    5. Neo-Psychedelia    6. Pop    7. Rock   

Dangerous Age
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (25 October, 1990)
list price: $9.98 -- our price: $9.98
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Reviews (6)

New Singer, Slightly New Sound
DANGEROUS AGE is Bad Company's second CD with vocalist Brian Howe, and the sound is slightly updated, with the guitars being more slickly produced and arranged than on such albums as STRAIGHT SHOOTER and RUN WITH THE PACK. Howe's vocals are a bit more like Jon Bon Jovi's or Don Dokken's pop-metal styles than Paul Rodgers' soulful croon, so it's totally appropriate that the music is more poppy than previously. Even though I prefer the early Bad Company, with its roots in the Memphis-Chicago-Texas-St. Louis-Louisiana-Detroit-Philadelphia-Kansas City blues/R&B/soul/rock & roll axis, this album gets five stars for the way it sounds.

Decent rock; but is this really Bad Company?
This album got some decent airplay in the late 1980s on rock stations; understandable, since it fit the sound of the times with that polished, melodic guitar rock sound.Certainly not the best of that genre, but pretty decent.However, it is not at all like the Paul Rodgers-era Bad Company.Brian Howe is now on vocals, and the style is totally different.

"One Night" is a solid rocker to lead off the album that got some airplay."Shake It Up" is generic and a marginal song."No Smoke Without A Fire" is a fine rocking song that got a lot of airplay.The title track is catchy and a lot of fun."Rock Of America" is a good melodic anthem."Something About You" is a nice ballad--the only one on the album.

I do like this album and its follow-up "Holy Water" of a couple of years later.(The rest of the Brian Howe Bad Company era is marginal in my book.)Just don't expect that classic sound of the '70s but simply some decent late '80s polished rock and roll.

The songs are overproduced but some of them are decent
When drummer Simon Kirke and guitarist Mick Ralphs resurrected the name of Bad Company for their new group it was a mixed blessing.Their 1986 album "Fame and Fortune" sounded like Bad Company lite at best, but usually more like a watered down version of Jefferson Starship."Dangerous Age," their 1988 release is a lot better, but it a slick late Eighties production that is not really going to remind fans of the original Bad Company with Paul Rodgers as the vocalist.If you can resist making the inevitable comparison, then you can find some decent tracks here, such as the title song and "One Night."However, they would be even better if they were stripped down without all the added production values.The big difference between this album and the previous effort was Terry Thomas, who had a hand in writing almost all of the songs.Thomas had been a member of Charlie, a London group with jazz leanings.Here he writes songs, plays guitar and keyboard, and is one of the producers, so it seems the credit for the major improvements in the sound of the new Bad Company lineup belong to him.Brian Howe from Ted Nugent's group replaced Rodgers as the vocalist and the differences are always noticable.This is not the best of the new Bad Company albums, a distinction that would belong to 1990's "Holy Water" with its Top 20 hit "If You Needed Somebody," but "Dangerous Age" actually stacks up well when compared to what the original lineup put out after their awesome debut album.Just do not delude yourself into thinking this is the same group just because the name was brought out of retirement. ... Read more

Asin: B000002IMR
Sales Rank: 20358
Subjects:  1. Album Rock    2. Arena Rock    3. Hard Rock    4. Pop    5. Rock