A friend, in 1984, announced that Supertramp had a new album out. I had to inform him that it wasn't the case. Instead, thanks to the single, "Had a Dream (Sleeping With the Enemy)," getting a fair amount of airplay on radio, I could tell him that former Supertramp guitar/vocalist Roger Hodgson had released his first solo album. One point to me, I think. Besides, my friend was a total Duranie and very anti- heavy metal.
I still feel the same way about Roger's debut album, "In the Eye of the Storm," now as I did back then. It could have been another Supertramp album. It became abundantly clear to me that Roger was the driving force behind the band and with his solo album, it was pretty much the same. Not that it's a bad thing because it's not. I've always liked Supertramp's version of 1970s progressive rock. Nice keyboard work laced with some guitar done very creatively over rather long songs. I have this memory of Supertramp songs usually being in excess of five minutes, except for a few of the ones released as singles. It is the same on Roger's album. Four of the seven songs are over seven minutes long and one is just a second below six. In a musical world where synth pop was emerging, I thought it was great to still hear some good progressive rock.
Though unusual for me, I have to say that "Had a Dream (Sleeping With the Enemy) is my favourite track. I liked it enough when radio cut huge chunks out of the song for airplay so the full eight minute plus version was even better. The entire progressive rock arsenal went into making this one. Some great keyboards with bouts of both acoustic and electric guitar with Hodgson's unmistakable vocals. It all adds up to a great song. Of course, there are other nice songs too. I do like "In Jeopardy" as it is more classic Supertramp. "Hooked on a Problem" is an interesting one. The introduction reminds me of the classic, "The Logical Song" but transforms into sounding like a carnival. I would be repeating myself if I dissected every song, except for "Lovers in the Wind" which does nothing for me personally and credit where due, Roger definitely chose the right song for the closer.
Except for where noted below, I thought it was cool that he got Michael Shrieve of HSAS fame to play drums on the album, Roger plays all of the instruments himself on the album proving what a fine musician he is.
Track Listing:
- Had a Dream (Sleeping With the Enemy)
- In Jeopardy
- Lovers in the Wind
- Hooked on a Problem
- Give Me Love, Give Me Life
- I'm Not Afraid
- Only Because of You
Roger Hodgson[/caption]Roger Hodgson- vocals, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums on "Hooked on a Problem" and "Lovers in the Wind"
Michael Shrieve- drums, except on tracks 3 and 4
Ken Alldaryce- harmonica, backing vocals
Jimmy Johnson- fretless bass on "Lovers in the Wind" and "Only Because of You"
Claire Diament- female vocals on "Only Because of You"
Scott Page- saxophone on "Hooked on a Problem
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trOjoDIcBjs
Thinking back, I now realize that there was more great progressive rock back in the mid 80s than I allowed myself to believe. This debut album from Roger Hodgson is indisputable evidence of that.
Next Post: Soundtrack to Footloose
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