Post by djdave on Oct 6, 2003 11:16:24 GMT -5
Today, I present one of the 80's best albums, all in sales, critic-wise, and of course, one of my fave albums ever. Just 8 songs, but OH! What an album! One of the first albums I got when I started converting from vinyl to CD.
Back In the High Life-Steve Winwood (1986)
The tracks:
1. Higher Love
2. Take It As It Comes
3. Freedom Overspill
4. Back In the High Life Again
5. The Finer Things
6. Wake Me Up On Judgment Day
7. Split Decision
8. My Love's Leavin'
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Higher Love-What a way to lead off the album. Super brass section, fine harmony from Chaka Khan at the end, great melody, what's not here? A Grammy Record of the Year to boot! I loved this tune instantly, and it's never let up, an eternal top 100 fave.
Take It As It Comes-Superior rhythm, again backed by a fine brass section. Not much obvious synth as typical earlier Winwood fare, but this was a sign of things to come with the future "Roll With It" album. A keeper.
Freedom Overspill-Probably the least remembered of the 4 top 20 hits from the album. Super synth intro, kicking into (once again) a super horn section. First of two songs on the album with Joe Walsh on guitar; this was the first time I heard the phrase "midnight oil" (even before the group of that name!). Always loved this a lot, my third fave off the album.
Back In the High Life Again-Long before this tune hit the top 40 and easy listening airwaves, I LOVED playing this after I got this album for Xmas 1986. In addition to all keyboard instruments, Steve even plays the mandolin on it! Top-notch from start to finish; absolutely LOVE the "bridge" section. And love the harmony from James Taylor at the end! Love playing the end over and over, which radio cut out from the original version. One of my top records of 1987 not in a "teen" or "cheesy" class.
The Finer Things-No doubt, the tune on the album that sounds more like his earlier stuff; you can tell right from that synth intro. Underrated session guitarist Paul Pesco's on here, as well as the late Dan Hartman and James Ingram on backing vocals. I'm sure most everyon here's heard this; a deserved top 10 hit and served as the title of his mediocre box set.
Wake Me Up on Judgment Day-One of three tracks on the album that made it on to his 1987 quasi-compilation "Chronicles". The featured guitarist here was Chic's Nile Rodgers, with backing vocals provided by Connie Harvey (I believe related to another prominent backing vocalist, Maxine; but no relation to P.J.) and veteran Jocelyn Brown. Typical light/moderate mid-80's fare; a good choice for adventurous radio programmers who like stuff like Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins.
Split Decision-My, you can tell Joe Walsh's guitar on this, blending with a GREAT Hammond organ from Steve on the intro! Played a bit on album rock radio, I'd STRONGLY recommend this if you like anything from the Eagles to Journey. Again, backing vocals from Jocelyn and Connie. Solid winner.
My Love's Leavin'-Like "The Dream Weaver" from Gary Wright, the last track is the lightest. Made it on to that "Chronicles" set (as did "Higher Love"). But no backing vocalists here. Nice arrangement from Atlantic Records' veteran Arif Mardin. Nice one to put you to sleep.
There you have it! Opinions, thoughts, comments, praises, backlashes?
Back In the High Life-Steve Winwood (1986)
The tracks:
1. Higher Love
2. Take It As It Comes
3. Freedom Overspill
4. Back In the High Life Again
5. The Finer Things
6. Wake Me Up On Judgment Day
7. Split Decision
8. My Love's Leavin'
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Higher Love-What a way to lead off the album. Super brass section, fine harmony from Chaka Khan at the end, great melody, what's not here? A Grammy Record of the Year to boot! I loved this tune instantly, and it's never let up, an eternal top 100 fave.
Take It As It Comes-Superior rhythm, again backed by a fine brass section. Not much obvious synth as typical earlier Winwood fare, but this was a sign of things to come with the future "Roll With It" album. A keeper.
Freedom Overspill-Probably the least remembered of the 4 top 20 hits from the album. Super synth intro, kicking into (once again) a super horn section. First of two songs on the album with Joe Walsh on guitar; this was the first time I heard the phrase "midnight oil" (even before the group of that name!). Always loved this a lot, my third fave off the album.
Back In the High Life Again-Long before this tune hit the top 40 and easy listening airwaves, I LOVED playing this after I got this album for Xmas 1986. In addition to all keyboard instruments, Steve even plays the mandolin on it! Top-notch from start to finish; absolutely LOVE the "bridge" section. And love the harmony from James Taylor at the end! Love playing the end over and over, which radio cut out from the original version. One of my top records of 1987 not in a "teen" or "cheesy" class.
The Finer Things-No doubt, the tune on the album that sounds more like his earlier stuff; you can tell right from that synth intro. Underrated session guitarist Paul Pesco's on here, as well as the late Dan Hartman and James Ingram on backing vocals. I'm sure most everyon here's heard this; a deserved top 10 hit and served as the title of his mediocre box set.
Wake Me Up on Judgment Day-One of three tracks on the album that made it on to his 1987 quasi-compilation "Chronicles". The featured guitarist here was Chic's Nile Rodgers, with backing vocals provided by Connie Harvey (I believe related to another prominent backing vocalist, Maxine; but no relation to P.J.) and veteran Jocelyn Brown. Typical light/moderate mid-80's fare; a good choice for adventurous radio programmers who like stuff like Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins.
Split Decision-My, you can tell Joe Walsh's guitar on this, blending with a GREAT Hammond organ from Steve on the intro! Played a bit on album rock radio, I'd STRONGLY recommend this if you like anything from the Eagles to Journey. Again, backing vocals from Jocelyn and Connie. Solid winner.
My Love's Leavin'-Like "The Dream Weaver" from Gary Wright, the last track is the lightest. Made it on to that "Chronicles" set (as did "Higher Love"). But no backing vocalists here. Nice arrangement from Atlantic Records' veteran Arif Mardin. Nice one to put you to sleep.
There you have it! Opinions, thoughts, comments, praises, backlashes?
) It's a lot more fun hearing the CD than hearing the songs on the radio (or at least on Top 40 radio), because on so many of them, the single versions were butchered! Darn radio edits! 
Anyway, I understand Steve has a new CD out--haven't heard it yet, but I'm sure it's great. 
