A Softer Side to Adams - Without the Pop

I'm usually not a fan of the "MTV Unplugged" series that took place in the 1990s for two reasons: 1) MTV: I don't like it and I don't like the influence they have had on the music industry; 2) I'd rather hear a full band set then just the acoustics. However, Bryan Adams' Unplugged album made me think twice about shying away from an "Unplugged" album. In this album Bryan Adams does a tremendous job at developing a fusion his early career work (going back to the album "You Want It You Got It" with some of his later career work "18 Til I Die"). Adams succeeds in putting together a solid live album that doesn't have to depend on a large dose of the many pop hits. As a result, Adams is going to show great depth to his work and a solid diversity by being able to put an acoustic spin on things.

The portfolio of songs included on the album does not include any tracks from "Into the Fire" or "Waking Up the Neighbours". It only contains 2 songs from "Reckless". Immediately that would throw up a flag in my book, but don't let that deter you. The CD contains all of the lyrics to all of the songs that are included on the CD. There is a nice listing of credits at the end as well. Long time Adams band-mates Tommy Mandel, Mickey Curry, Keith Scott, and Dave Taylor are included.

The album does open with one of the pop hits - "Summer of 69". This song will be highlighted by some nice vocal harmonies (the album gives Curry, Scott, and Taylor credits so I assume its them). The tempo of the song has a mix between some slower parts and uptempo. The result - a whole new spin on an old favorite.

The next song is a killer track - "Back to You". This is a new song by Adams and he hits the big homer in this song. It is probably one of the better songs. Great guitar work and great harmonies.

Older songs "Cuts Like a Knife", "I'm Ready", and "Fits Ya Good" follow. Best way to put it - new spins on old favorites. Great move by Adams not being afraid to bring old songs out of the closet and put the 'unplugged' spin on it.

A new track "When You Love Someone" follows. This is not one of Bryan's better tracks. It is a soft love song ballad and it sounds a lot like the other ballads he cranked out in the 90s. I'm not the biggest fan of Bryan Adams ballads (I don't think that is where his strength lies), so I am biased.

Bryan moves into his newer material. "18 Til I Die" (title track from the album). I wasn't a big fan of this particular song, but this does sound better with the 'Unplugged' angle.

Bluesy songs follow. This is the influence Bryan had from working on the 18 Til I Die album with Gretchen Peters and Robert "Mutt" Lange. " I Think About You" and a new song , "If Ya Wanna Be Bad- You Gotta Be Good" show that Bryan can do the blues. More 18 Til I Die stuff follows with "Let's Make a Night to Remember", "The Only Thing that Looks Good On Me is You",

The album continues with another new song "A Little Love". This is another nice new song. It has almost a mantra like feel to the song with some blues in the background as Bryan sings "A Little Love Can Change it All".

The last two songs really go the soft route. The 'other' pop song on the album is also from "Reckless" and that is "Heaven". Like I mentioned, I'm not a big fan of the Adams ballads, so I never was a fan of this song. This version of the song doesn't really do much more for me.

The album wraps up with a song from "18 Til I Die" called "I'll Always Be Right There". It's a gentle end to a kinder and gentler Bryan Adams release.

I do recommend this album whether you are a new Bryan Adams fan or a long-time one. It is one of the better albums that came out in 1997.

Fab

For all Bryan Adams fans, this is one must have collection. This CD brings together some of the greatest songs from Adams' illustrious career together. It is a classic.



Final word: At an Adams' concert which I had the fortune of attending, he performed almost all the songs from this CD (among others).

Grade C+

Bryan Adams' MTV UNPLUGGED cd is from the tv series of the same name. Although he is "unplugged" rest of the band at times is not. Atruly acoustic set this is not, and makes for a big disappointment. His choice of songs is not the greatest either. Alot of his big hits are left off, and lesser know songs are put in. Just like any concert you go to, you want to hear the hits, so if your after that, like I was, this may not be your cup of tea.