Original Album Classics [Box set]

BEST SONY RELEASE EVER!
A MUST FOR ALL FANS OF THE ZOMBIES!

The wait is over! This 3 CD box set neatly packages Colin Blunstone's top 3 albums from the 1970s, with One Year, Ennismore and Journey. With excellent artwork, each disc comes packaged in a mini-LP jacket replica of each album, similar to that of the original vinyl LPs. The sound quality is amazing, as should be expected from Sony. This box set includes 2 bonus tracks added to disc 3. Both songs are b-sides that did not appear on the original album.

One Year

01.Colin Blunstone - She Loves The Way They Love Her 02:49
02.Colin Blunstone - Misty Roses 05:04
03.Colin Blunstone - Smokey Day 03:13
04.Colin Blunstone - Caroline Goodbye 02:55
05.Colin Blunstone - Though You Are Far Away 03:25
06.Colin Blunstone - Mary Won't You Warm My Bed 03:11
07.Colin Blunstone - Her Song 03:31 reinhören
08.Colin Blunstone - I Can't Live Without You 03:29
09.Colin Blunstone - Let Me Come Closer To You - (Album Version) 02:25
10.Colin Blunstone - Say You Don't Mind 03:18

Ennismore

01.Colin Blunstone - I Don't Believe In Miracles 02:56
02.Colin Blunstone - Quartet 10:55
03.Colin Blunstone - I Want Some More 03:05
04.Colin Blunstone - Pay Me Later 02:46
05.Colin Blunstone - Andorra 03:18
06.Colin Blunstone - I've Always Had You 02:30
07.Colin Blunstone - Time's Running Out 02:40
08.Colin Blunstone - How Could We Dare To Be Wrong 03:24

Journey + 2 bonus tracks

01.Colin Blunstone - Wonderful - (Album Version) 05:03
02.Colin Blunstone - Beginning - (Album Version) 01:21
03.Colin Blunstone - Keep The Curtains Closed Today - (Album Version) 03:16
04.Colin Blunstone - Weak For You - (Album Version) 05:20
05.Colin Blunstone - Beware - (Album Version) 03:24
06.Colin Blunstone - Smooth Operator - (Album Version) 04:05
07.Colin Blunstone - This Is Your Captain Calling - (Album Version) 04:17
08.Colin Blunstone - Something Happens When You Touch Me - (Album Version) 03:56
09.Colin Blunstone - Setting Yourself Up - (Album Version) 03:25
10.Colin Blunstone - Lover Brother - (Album Version) 03:43
11.Colin Blunstone - Shadow Of A Doubt - (Album Version) 03:45
12.Colin Blunstone - It's Magical - (Album Version) 03:25
13.Colin Blunstone - You Who Are Lonely - (Album Version) 03:55

After The Zombies disbanded, Rod Argent formed Argent and Colin Blunstone pursued a solo career making quality pop/rock music with excellent production and superior vocals and musicians. Though both projects produced very different forms of music, Argent backed Blunstone on his solo albums. Argent's hits included the singles Hold Your Head Up, Liar covered by Three Dog Night and God Gave Rock and Roll to You, which was later covered by Kiss. I met Gene Simmons of Kiss some years back and he stated that he is a fan of The Zombies and Argent.

Personally, I found Colin Blunstone's solo albums to be very likable, if not near-perfect. It was hard for me to digest the over-the-top, art rock sound of Argent with Russ Ballard's vocals. While a solo Colin Blunstone maintained the quality sound that was present with The Zombies, Argent strayed away from the look and sound of The Zombies to make music that was more commercially viable during the 70s. The original Argent lineup reunited at the High Voltage Festival in Victoria Park London on July 25, 2010 and there are plans for a reunion tour.

In the end, Colin Blunstone's solo career lasted longer than that of Argent. Blunstone charted hits during the 80s while working with Dave Stewart. Such hits included his masterful version of What Becomes Of The Broken Hearted, which songwriter Jimmy Ruffin stated was his favorite of all renditions. Blunstone was also a member of the groups Keats and The Alan Parsons Project where he sang lead vocals on the song Old And Wise. In both groups Blunstone worked with Scottish rock legend David Paton from Pilot, who is known for their song Magic.

Colin Blunstone has also been touring with his own band, playing concerts which allow to him focus on the quality solo material from these albums.

Although Colin Blunstone is currently performing solo concerts with his own band, he and Rod Argent are also working on an album of new material with The Zombies. The current lineup of The Zombies includes Colin Blunstone, Rod Argent, bassist Jim Rodford and drummer Steve Rodford. The Zombies are still a band and continue to make quality music with new albums and high-demand world tours.

I've reviewed all three of these albums before, so I'll be brief. See the cost of tracking each one down on their own? Exactly. I was lucky enough to discover Colin and the Zombies just before certain items went out of stock and the prices soared for what remains. These are quintessential must-owns by an artist with exquisite, sophisticated taste, and this particular box set is worth owning brand new. Despite the lack of liner notes you get with the individual products, you get two bonus tracks on the Journey disc: the outstandingly gorgeous "Beware", and the rather creepy "Lover Brother."

You need to own this box set if you don't have it yet. I gush and rant about Colin all the time. The man has taste, sex appeal, and a romantic style all his own that his distinctive vocals express all too well. New to him and anything Zombies related? Then trust me when I say you won't be sorry. This is nothing short of superior 70s British pop.

Great albums from Zombies singer; great package of first 3 solo albums. Now how about doing the same for the next batch. Too bad they're on different labels.