Real classy!

This is a fabulous collection of class songs from one of the world's greatest pop/rock singers. The musicianship is vibrant and sophisticated with some excellent guitar sounds, with a few surprises, if not quite capturing the ethrereal brilliance of the beautiful acoustic sounds of Cliff's "I'm Nearly Famous". On tracks like "You Got Me Wondering", "Give Me Love Your Way" and "It'll Be Me Babe", you're never quite sure what to expect next. Cliff's vocals are skilful, delicate and mellow. Here you have a versatile range of songs; in "My Kinda Life", the rustic instrumental sound blends smoothly with a moving, husky solo vocal; "Must Be Love" is rockier showcasing the full range of Cliff's voice; "When Two Worlds Drift Apart" is soothing and lovely; "You Got Me Wondering" mesmerizing and bizarre. The title track is a very thought-provoking rock song, movingly rendered; "Try A Smile" and "Hey Mr. Dream Maker" are two sumptuous, delicious ballads (luscious, satiny vocals); "Give Me Love Your Way" is funky (and unpredictable) with a brilliant acapella chorus; "Up In The World" a gorgeous Clifford T. Ward tragic ballad faultlessly covered by Cliff; "Don't Turn The Light Out" rockier and slightly freaky; "It'll Be Me Babe" another cool discoish sound. The final highlight is "Spider-Man", a 7-minute epic which should've been a film soundtrack. The bonus tracks are three more beautiful ballads, the haunting "Nothing Left For Me To Say" being particularly strong.

VINTAGE RICHARD, BUT NOT HIS BEST

Back in 1976, Cliff released his best album "I'm Nearly Famous." Following up such a gem had to be a hard task for Cliff, and he tries hard in this one, but it falls short due to its lack of any really GREAT songs. The arrangements are a little blander, with the exception of "Up in the World" and "Spiderman." Lyrically and musically, the material is thinner, and not as original as "I'm Nearly Famous's" collection. I like "Up in the World," "Don't Turn the Light Out," "My Kinda Life" and "Two Worlds Drift Apart." They flow well and their interesting both lyrically and melodically. Cliff worked with his usual musicians and producers, but I think they may have rushed a little too much. HOWEVER, Cliff's career is a long and illustrious one, and this is certainly RECOMMENDED to those who have been fans of Cliff.