Search - Gordon Lightfoot :: Waiting for You

A return to simpler tunes

Brian Kious | Saint Charles, Missouri United States | 02/17/2004

(4 out of 5 stars)

"It seemed as though the 1980s ran away with Gord. After a beautifully written/performed/produced "Shadows" was released, Lightfoot delved into other horizons. A tip of the hat must be given to someone who tries to expand themselves. The only problem was that 1983's "Salute" was too much of an over-the-top electric patchwork that didn't flow very well and 1986's "East of Midnight" was a jaw-dropping adult-contemporary nightmare.After having taken a break from the writing and producing for a spell, Gord returned in 1993 with what is possibly his best since "Dream Street Rose". "Waiting For You" has everything that made Lightfoot records of old so enjoyable. The songs are easy-going, listenable and singable. The music is instantly memorable and Terry Clements is up on his game on lead guitar, especially on the title track.Highlights include "Restless", "I'll Prove My Love", "Waiting For You" and "Drink Yer Glasses Empty"."

Drink Yer Glasses Empty

Gregor von Kallahann | 02/15/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Back when I was in college in Maine, I used to be friendly with a young musician who would eventually meet with some success. Dave Mallett had longsince left school when I met him, but we sort of traveled in the same circles. My best friend Michael was his lead guitarist for a time. It was a special time, really, being surrounded by a number of talented musicians.



One of the things that I recall quite well was that Dave, who would later to go on to songwriting success in Nashville, just about worshipped Gordon Lightfoot. Well, you know, Canada, Maine, there's a kind of North Country connection there, I guess. But even then, I think I noticed a significant difference between David and his idol. David was much more a straight forward storyteller. Gordon was a bit more impressionistic--never really cryptic, per se, but where David specialized in story songs, Gordon Lightfoot always left lots of room for interpretation. "If you could read my mind?" Forget it, you can't and it's foolish to try. Just enjoy the impressions, the poetic quality sometimes interrupted by flashes of romantic irony. And the gorgeous vocals and flawless musicianship. But linear he's never been.



If there's any difference between the Gordon Lightfoot of the 90s and the classic Lightfoot of the 60s and 70s, it's the sense of resignedness and hard won wisdom that years of hard livin' brings. (And show biz is HARD livin' even when we're talking folk music: you don't have to be trashing hotel rooms with 14 groupies onhand to experience the craziness).



In a youth oriented business, Gordon takes some pride in mentioning that he was one year old in 1939, that he remembers the War years (WWII AND Viet Nam and everything between and since, by implication.) And he understands something of the forces that have shaped our lives, and how we sometimes embrace them and sometimes need to retreat from them. Is is a contradiction when he sings: "I'd rather be by the seaside, than be playing a one night stand/I've been too wrapped up in my own dreams, I will change things if I can/I gotta press on, don't wanna rest easy.?" So what's it going to be, Gord, lolling on the beach--or pressing on and not resting easy? Of course, we can all ask ourselves the same question and often do.



Interesting how the cover shot shows Gordon looking a little haggard and drawn. The back cover shot is a lot more flattering, but the front cover is perhaps more truthful in a way. It's reflective of the unadorned vocals and the somewhat weathered (but still wonderful) voice of latterday Lightfoot. "We'd like to take life over again..." he sings on the final track. Is he singing of the WWII soldiers or of himself? And does it matter?"

Nice

Nathan | Ottawa, ON Canada | 05/31/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a good solid album from Gord. I always felt this was a much more solid album than the previous couple were. The lyrics on here seem to be of the nostalgic sort, giving it (for me anyway) a sort of bittersweet feel. There's also a good cover of a Bob Dylan song, Ring Them Bells.

The instruments are played nicely, and Gord's singing is its usual distinctive sound. I particularly like the songs Restless, Wild Strawberries, and Drink Yer Glasses Empty. But the whole album has a really good overall sound that doesn't ever seem to get old.

One of Gordon Lightfoot's better recordings, earlier or later."