"If you're browsing for a Roger Taylor CD, choose one of the other 3 - this is the worst of the bunch. Mind you, it still has moments of breathtaking quality, so my score of 3 stars is reflective of Roger's general standard being missed.So what do we have here?Originating from 1994, this has always felt like an unfinished album to me - too many of the songs seem like demos; ideas not quite fully formed. Take the title track for example - a couple of verses, a couple of choruses, and then it dies away as if noone could come up with an outro. The same applies to Loneliness, Everybody Hurts Sometime, and You Had To Be There - all nice enough songs, but with more potential than delivery. It's not as if Roger Taylor has to rush to finish records in order to make the lucrative Christmas release dates...He's always been at his best when he writes with a little passion, especially in his solo work, and there are some great examples here. Dear Mr Murdoch, an extremely well written diatribe against a certain Australian media mogul, and Old Friends, a track for the (then) recently deceased Freddie Mercury both come across well. The exception to this is the first track, also bizarrely chosen as a single, Nazis 1994. Consisting almost entirely of drums and vocals, this is the most political song in Roger's history, and one of the worst too. In case you're wondering, it's anti-Nazi, which is probably the nicest thing I can say about it.The high point, though, is the magnificent Foreign Sand which is easily worth a whole star on it's own. OK, it's a little overblown - but he was in Queen for 20 years...It's actually a collaboration with a Japanese star by the name of Yoshiki, who contributes drums & piano to the track. 7 minutes of world peace, brotherhood, and mutual respect, all in the loveliest of epic ballad melodies (if Jim Steinman could write tasteful lyrics and was more restrained, this is what you'd get).So should you buy this? Make sure you're heard another Roger Taylor album first, because if this is your first one, you might not buy another and that would be a shame."
A Sweet Suprise!
Erin Kozlowski | CT.USA | 06/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was so pleased when I heard this CD. It shows a gentle side to Roger, sweet warm songs. The song "Old Friends in Better Times" a tribute to Freddie Mercury, is hauntingly beautiful. An Excellent CD. This CD shows Roger's versatility. A nice break from his hard rock CD's (which are gereat also).5 stars for this one. Way to go Roger!"
No Violins Here
W. Stuve | 07/28/1999
(2 out of 5 stars)
"While this album does have a couple of shining moments, it's very weak overall. The lyrics are often cliche and the music doesn't have the muscle or edge that the two preceding solo efforts had.When you listened to the first two solo albums you felt that you were listening to something inspired. This album has no real focus and the music doesn't keep my interest."
A Dutch fan
W. Stuve | Deventer, The Netherlands | 01/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD was my first solo CD by Roger Taylor. And what a pleasant surprise it was. The distinct voice of Roger really comes alive. It is also one of the better produced CD's I've heard. It's really a CD that visits my cd-player on a regular basis. Musicaly divers and musical craftmanship are words that come to mind. I will not compare this CD to others (esp. by Queen). It's unique. Try this CD and judge for yourself."
TAYLOR STARTS STRONG, BUT FINISHES WEAK.
W. Stuve | 11/08/1998
(3 out of 5 stars)
"This is Taylor's third solo album, and overall is highly polished. What is lacking is consistant good song writing. He starts off wisely with the best four cuts, but then slips into a meandering, almost meditative, dreamy musical slow waltz until Track 11: "Dear Mr. Muroch". The production ends with the sentimental "Old Friends". While it is true that this is his first album since the demise of Queen, I feel it is more relevant to point out that it is his first solo LP since the demise of The Cross. His three albums with this adjunct group (while still in Queen), were, in my opinion, by far and away his best work outside of Queen- tapping his true talent for upbeat rock. Taylor in his solo albums consistantly abandons this strength. My only explanation is that he feels some need to be thoughtful and wise. With The Cross, the other musicians were given a say in matters, being far more than studio rentals. This situation, like with Queen, seems to be the fuel and external feedback that Taylor lacks in his solo efforts. My advice for Mr. Taylor is to get a rock band together and foot the bill if necessary to keep it alive until it catches on."
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1