Label: Virgin Records (Japan), VJCP-98144
Style: Pop Rock, Art Pop
Country: Newcastle upon Tyne, London, England
Time: 37:32
Format: Flac Tracks 16/44,1 kHz
Size: 259 Mb
--More
Than This opens the album with a dreamy atmosphere that sets the tone
for what is to come. Bryan Ferry’s emotive vocals, combined with the
rhythm and shimmering synthesiser-driven soundstage arguably date the
song, yet it still sounds fresh and is, subsequently, a timeless
classic. It’s classic rock at its very best!
--The Space Between
flows perfectly from More Than This as the gap between the songs is
enough that the style differences don't present as a jolt to the senses.
The Space Between adds further musical intrigue to Avalon and while it
is an album-only track, it’s one of the best songs Roxy Music ever
recorded. Every musical aspect was carefully considered and Andy
Mackay’s saxophone playing takes the song to another level entirely and
is the real highlight here, that is until you factor in Ferry’s
spectacular vocal.
--Avalon is the album’s crown jewel and rightful
title track for its sensuous and lush, perfectly blending beauty and
sophistication. The backing vocals, performed by Fonzi Thornton and
Yanick Etienne (in particular) are simply stunning and a key reason why
Avalon continues to be enjoyed to this day.
--India is another song
that flows seamlessly and to be honest, the entire album is so
well-sequenced that as much as you may gravitate to the individual songs
we all know and love, Avalon is an album experience first and foremost.
No truer is that than when listening to India and appreciating how this
beautiful musical interlude segues Avalon to While My Heart Is Still
Beating.
--While My Heart Is Still Beating is bold and dynamic. It’s a
musical journey that is somewhat ethereal as Ferry’s vocals are sung in
a manner whereby every lyric is not necessarily well defined, but is
present in the mix if you take the time to not only check out the lyrics
but listen intently. Songs such as this are a core reason why I
consider the human vocal as another instrument in the mix, rather than a
storytelling device, for Ferry creates an audible atmosphere that is
utterly captivating.
--The Main Thing has an undeniable 80s pop
style with its danceable groove and shimmering synths. In many respects,
it’s a shame that The Main Thing was never released as a single for the
hook draws you in and is, subsequently, not only a highlight of the
album but would have been perfect for radio broadcasting during the era
in which the album was released.
--Take A Chance With Me is a slow
burn. The musical introduction is incredible and you’ll likely hear
different elements upon each subsequent listen. Hence, Take A Chance
With Me only improves the more you listen to the album. That said, it
could also be proposed that the introduction to this song is too long,
and unnecessary, as it pertains to the song itself, but given the album
feels as if it’s a singular musical experience, I wouldn’t want to
change a thing.
--To Turn You On has a pulsating bassline that
accompanies this rhythmically engaging song. If there is a low point to
be heard on Avalon, however, this is it. Yet, in saying that, To Turn
You On does suit the overall style of the album even if it sounds
somewhat foreign.
--True To Life is a hidden gem in every sense of
the word. The upbeat tempo is addictively good and every musical aspect
was carefully considered and perfectly positioned in the mix. Nothing
short of a masterpiece would be the perfect way to describe this tune
and while I could highlight every band member’s contribution, for
they’re all excellent, it would be best if you just listened for
yourself for Roxy Music doesn’t get much better than this.
--Tara
closes the album with a beautifully reflective instrumental piece that
maintains the album’s overall aura. The result is that Tara compels me
to listen to the album again, for Avalon is one album that I can never
listen to just once.
Subsequently, it doesn’t matter how many times
I’ve listened to Avalon, throughout the years, for it continues to
impress as a masterful piece of art-rock that isn’t limited by the era
it was conceived in. Yet, at the same time, nostalgia plays a role in
the modern appreciation of this creative endeavour. Each track on Avalon
contributes to its overall excellence, and it remains a must-listen for
anyone appreciative of the artistry and allure of Roxy Music and the
early 80s rock vibe.
(subjectivesounds.com/musicblog/roxy-music-avalon-album-review)
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