MAGNUM's eighth studio album and by far their most commercial effort to date. Eleven superbly crafted rock songs that will appeal to almost everybody. From the hard belting riffs of "Reckless Man" to the AOR pap of "Cry For You," they've managed to find a writing formula that balances itself between two markets.
As I said, this is the band's 8th record. If it had been there first then they'd be getting full marks for producing something of such high quality. But then that's expected! Magnum have spent well over a decade setting their standards. I hardly have to remind you. Their previous albums speak for themselves! Now it seems they are cruising to some extent on a tight rope between commerciality and originality. Don't get me wrong, Magnum are a truly great British rock outfit (if not one of the best!). Their hallmark is their Englishness, their ability to produce what no American Act is capable of or ever will be.
There are two sides to this coin. On the one hand there are tracks on this album that are destined to be classics. "Rockin' Chair", "Mama," "Reckless Man," and "Born to be King" are examples of Magnum at their very best! Their songs full of passionate sincerity with a verve and vigour unequalled elsewhere. Bob Catley is a bloody grey vocalist and Tony Clarkin a much underrated guitarist! Musically the guys have gelled into an extremely competent Unit with producer Keith Olsen at the helm - something the band have been crying out for, for a long long time. He's turned them into a super group!
However, the rest of the material, with the exception of the spirited Clarkin/ Vallance song "What Kind of Love is This," does tend to veer towards the American AOR market. The combination of songwriting that Clarkin has shared with Russ Ballard, Sue Shifrin, and Jim Vallance is difficult to pin down. "Matter of Survival," "No Way Out," and very laid back "Cry For You" are well-crafted rock ballads in their own right, with their subtle harmonies and thoughtful lyrics, but is this Magnum we ask ourselves? Magnum play rock songs, and damn good ones at that, and are not a vehicle for musical fashions, whatever anybody may think! "Only a Memory," "Shoot," and "Heartbroken and Busted" while not exceptional are good examples of that. Crank them up at full volume, you'll see what I mean!
Some may argue that the band have sold out to America -- so what! It's time that a quality seasoned British band kicked the shit out of the States again. Magnum have worked hard over the years and they certainly deserve worldwide recognition!
Wish them the best of luck...
8.5/10
Mark Crampton
Riff Raff
June 1990
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