Search - Colin Blunstone :: The Light Inside

Colin Blunstone meets Ritchie Blackmore ??

Pete Walker | Church Stretton, Shropshire, England | 05/11/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Although many of Colin Blunstone's albums are not out on CD, and therefore we should be grateful for those that are available, I have to say this is not among his best work. Though no slouch when it comes to R&B, Colin's greatest strength is his distinctive gentle voice, which is shown to best effect with a sensitive, restrained musical backing. Here, he struggles against a high energy rock band (comprising in Don Airey and Cozy Powell two former members of Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow) complete with numerous screaming guitar solos. Although reasonably well played, there is on several of the tracks a fundamental mismatch in styles between Colin's voice and the band, and the production sound, awash with reverb, seems 'cold' and clinical in character and does not provide a sympathetic setting for Colin.Furthermore, this is far from the best set of songs Colin has recorded for an album, and in addition to the frenetic backing many of the tracks do not have a memorable melody. But with perseverance one does come to appreciate, and maybe even enjoy, some of the record, the three songs by Nick Kershaw being perhaps the most memorable. As a keen fan of Colin, I found it hard to really get into, so the less committed would probably find little to enjoy.

An infinitely preferable example of Colin's recent work is his latest album with Rod Argent, 'Out of the darkness'. This is everything that 'The light inside' is not; memorable songs, tasteful arrangements and a superb production sound."

The Light Inside

cardinals4ever | 02/01/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It's always interesting to hear what Colin Blunstone has been up to with the release of each new album. In recent years, he's been extremely productive --- to wit, the excellent "Echo Bridge" release, a great deal of featured-artist work, various tours with his accompanying band, and the remarkable one-shot (but not the final, we sincerely hope) Zombies reunion show. I am quite pleased to say that Colin's latest album, "The Light Inside", fits very nicely into his lengthy portfolio of musical accomplishments. I agree with Andy Barnes (the editor of "Photograph", the CB fanzine) who states that TLI is a more introspective album than some of Colin's previous efforts. Yet although many of its selections are slower, thoughtful, CB-trademark songs of love, there is something for most people within the tracks of TLI --- in particular, a few peppy, danceable tunes just to balance things out. My honest feeling is that most of the songs on the album are superb, and certainly all 52+ minutes of the disk are enjoyable. And now, some highly opinionated specifics on the album. The catchy "Your Love Is Like The Sun" is a very good choice to start things off with a bang. In fact, after a couple of listens, I had actually memorized the words (which is usually no easy task for me). Two other tracks, "Walking In The Rain" and "Send Me Your Broken Hearts", are especially beautiful, as they both feature well-crafted lyrics and poignantly Colinesque vocals. "Till We Try Again" is yet another pretty song, which somehow reminded me of other CB favorites: Its intro brings back fond memories of "How Wrong Can One Man Be" from the old days, while its main body features a strong melody whose backing vocals borrow from the magnificent "Blue" off of the nouveau Zombies "New World" album. And now that I think of it, "Slowburn" sounds like a really good Toto song, while "Don't Let The Darkness Touch You" has a bit of "Lula Lula" (from "New World") for a few seconds, before continuing on its own way. "You Make Love So Good" is a fun selection that combines elements of the 70's, 80's and 90's. The revamped version of "Knowing You" (again from "New World") is simply *gorgeous*. Colin has cut the instrumentation down to a bare minimum, and has added some bonus lyrics, rendering a more-complete, intimate interpretation of the song. And finally, "Losing You" rounds out the album on another high note --- I feel that this version is even better than its previous incarnation from a few years back. It sounds like Colin has put a lot of himself into this album. For instance, I notice that he has penned 8 (out of 12) of the songs (with perennial contributor Nik Kershaw coming in with 3 of the remaining). The instrumentation and musicianship of the band is top notch, and it's fantastic to see that Rod Argent makes a guest appearance."

Send Me Your Better Songs...........

! Metamorpho ;) | Castle in Scotland | 11/21/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Your Metamorpho was a big fan of that 60's group the Zombies. In fact once I travelled back in time to see them in England and it was a most pleasant experience. So, it should come as no surprise that I would follow-up and review their illustrious lead singer Colin Blunstone. What a voice. It has been said that if God set up a band He would choose Colin as a lead singer. God is not as picky as Alan Parsons it seems. (That is an "in" joke for those in the know). Anyway, I have always liked his breathy, graceful, eloquent singing. Very distinctive and always noteworthy. So, it was no wonder that I picked up this c.d. I did pick it up and did not listen for a long time. There was just something about it that didn't connect to me. It is not his voice per se, but I think in large part the material and the band he chose for this recording.

For some reason-and nobody knows why, least of all me, I dug this out and was prompted by the Universe at large to give it another listen and review it.

First off I will tell you that although the band is competent, they are a total mismatch for his voice. They sound like some 80's synth pop band that was big with pomp and no substance. Totally out of place when this was produced and even more out of style now. On some of these songs your dedicated Metamorpho feels like he's being pulled apart. Why? Well, the band, at times, battle Colin for supremacy whereas they should compliment a voice like that. Too much going on and going nowhere.

I admit, on repeated listenings there is more to like and I don't want anyone to believe that there isn't anything good here. There is. But you have to be adept at picking the needle gems out of the haystack duds.

There really is nothing that moves you like those wonderful Zombies hits, 'She's Not There", "Tell Her No", "Time of the Season" and from his solo career the considerable "Andorra". I honestly do think that he would be much better off with a simpler background band and with less echo chamber effect. But that's only my opinion. I am only a Seer and have been around the world on speaking tours and have met many dignitaries from many lands. But what do I know?

On this c.d. his best songs are those that the band is more restrained. Most of them are ballads but he is very good at that. But, it isn't all bad. There are some nice tunes here and one of them is "Send Me Your Broken Hearts" which is very spiritual in nature and something your Metamorpho feels is a considerable song for him. "Slowburn" has a nice, soft piano run and, thankfully, is void of many instruments to ruin it. Then "Knowing You" with just an acoustic guitar. Lovely. There are plus's-but there just isn't enough here and it's all a shame.

Colin is a class act and he deserves better material, simpler production, and some great pop hooks to make him truly shine. Did I mention less gloss? Yes, please, much less gloss. His voice is still glorious. But how I miss those Zombie formulas. They were simpler, but so much more satisfying. Another example of less is more. I hate to recite old adages - your Metamorpho is more clever than that. But I get lazy- and there you go!

In closing, I really want to give 5 stars to everything- but that is an illusion within myself and I would be cheating my vast fanclub if I were to lead them down a path to poison kool-aid. No. I just can't do it. I have to answer AND be responsible to a higher power. So, it is my obligation to report it as I see it. Do keep in mind that my reviews have been followed unquestioningly and raved about in Nepal and Shangri-La, if that gives you any indication. But, I do not name drop for my own self emulation. Oh no. Not me.

Anyway- another review done and another one bubbling under my Seer's hat. Yes, it's almost Thanksgiving and I have a spiritual turkey phoenix ready for the oven. This is how Seer's celebrate without the guilt!

Happy Holiday my people! - your own turkey----Metamorpho ;)

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