Like I've probably said a million times on here, one of the greatest things about writing this blog is that it allows me to reminisce about some of the great albums of the time. Albums that I might not have listened to for nearly three decades or more! Not listening to an album for that extreme length of time, one forgets how great an album can be. Therefore, it is a pleasant surprise when you put such an album on and just realise that very thing. All of the above can be said for the "Emotions in Motion" album from Billy Squier. The reason why I haven't listened to this one in such a long time was the fact that I never bought it because my sister had it and while she was away at college, I would sometimes borrow it and listen to it. Dawn, if you're reading this, I hope you're not too upset with me for borrowing this fine album without asking.
A year ago, when I visited Squier's "Don't Say No" album, I commented that Billy was the best American artist not to have cracked Great Britain. However, since I was in Okinawa when I first saw the video for the album's single, "Everybody Wants You," I can safely say that Billy Squier did make it in Japan. Listening to "Emotions in Motion" again after so many years, it's easy to see why. I like this album even more than the more commercially successful "Don't Say No."
First, like so many albums that were released in 1982, (this one didn't come to my attention until 1983) it starts off with the single. "Everybody Wants You" is a good song and probably a good choice to be released as a single, especially with the catchy riff it contains, but it's not the best song on the album. In fact, I've been having great difficulty in choosing such as all of the songs are that good here. Another fact I've forgotten about the album is that the title track is much harder than I remembered it being and that's a good thing. Damn my Swiss cheese memory!
As I said, after the first two songs, the hit single and title track, "Emotions in Motion" continues to kick some serious ass. "Learn How To Live" suckers you in with an alluring acoustic intro before blasting you away with more powerful chords. Furthermore, the song is suited fine to Billy's vocals and would not work with anyone else. "In Your Eyes" is a power ballad worthy to included with many of the others I've mentioned in so many posts. It nearly touches the bar set by April Wine in 1981. However, the rest of the album are all just simply great rockers, period. Another surprise after a 30 year non listening famine is that I had forgotten that Squier can play a guitar. The problem is that his best known songs, including "Everybody Wants You" don't have noteworthy solos. Any doubts about his guitar ability is silenced once you hear him go to town on "Keep Me Satisfied" and his lead guitar intro on "One Good Woman" is quite impressive as well. There are others as well. In the end, I must say shame on me for neglecting such a great album for all of these years.
Track Listing:
- Everybody Wants You
- Emotions in Motion
- Learn How to Live
- In Your Eyes
- Keep Me Satisfied
- It Keeps You Rocking
- One Good Woman
- She's a Runner
- Catch 22
- Listen to the Heartbeat
Billy Squier[/caption]
Billy Squier- lead vocals, lead guitar
Kevin Osborn- guitar
Jeff Golub- guitar
Allen St John- keyboards, synthesizers, backing vocals
Greg Lubahn- bass, backing vocals
Bobby Chouinard- drums
Freddie Mercury and Roger Taylor- backing vocals on "Everybody Wants You" and emotional support
While I admit that I have neglected many a fine album over the years, there hasn't been one making me feel this guilty about it like "Emotions in Motion" from Billy Squier. I just had a thought and I hope my British friends will support this. Since he's the best American not to have made it in Britain, maybe it's time he does. So I urge all of my British friends, as well as the rest of you reading this, to go out and listen to this album. I know you won't be disappointed. Hell, maybe I'll go and put him on the wishlist for this year's Bloodstock Festival.
Next post: The Plasmatics- Coup d' Etat
To buy Rock And Roll Children, email me at: tobychainsaw@hotmail.com
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