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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
I remember buying this album as a 16 year-old on the day it was released and playing it to death over a two-month period. 'Songwriter' came out in close proximity to John Lodge's `Natural Avenue' - another fine album - and I remember the word in the industry prior to both releases was that John's album was even better than Justin's!
But it's 'Songwriter' I'm reviewing here - an album I hadn't heard for quite a few years until I bought a copy of this CD recently. The sound is not quite as dynamic as the vinyl original in my opinion - but this doesn't detract from the quality of the songs and performances.
Listening to it again, I still love `Country Girl' - which was released as a 45 (remember them? :-)), but the melody of the first single from the album `One Lonely Room' has paled slightly for me. The song also features one of the worst couplets ever written, with Justin mourning the loss of his love and singing: `You left a car that had no wheels/You left some shoes that had no heels'. `Raised on Love' is another song with weak lyrics - they are far too soppy - but its very pretty tune compensates for this.
`Tightrope', `Stage Door' and `Lay it on Me' are outstanding tracks, the latter enlivened by Justin rocking-out on guitar - reminding everyone of what a fine player he is. And the voice! What a great set of pipes he had (and after seeing the Moodies live last year, still has!)
The title track is split into two very different, but interesting parts, although I personally think part one - with its more conventional structure - is superior to part two.
The original ten track album ended with two excellent darker tracks `Doin' Time' and the string-laden `Nostradamus', but there are four bonus tracks on this CD release.
Of the additional songs, the single `Marie' - written for his wife - is a good song, with Justin hitting the top of his vocal range. Its original `b side' `Heart of Steel' has a chorus that screams `Eurovision Song Contest' to my ears, but overall it still sounds better than I thought at the time of release. `Wrong Time, Right Place' is pleasant, but totally forgettable. Also included is a perfunctory cover of Buddy Holly's 'Learning the Game'.
The sound of this album is very different from that of the parent band, and also the lush Hayward/Lodge collaboration 'Blue Jays', but I believe any Moodies fan would be delighted to have this CD in their collection - if it isn't already in there.
But it's 'Songwriter' I'm reviewing here - an album I hadn't heard for quite a few years until I bought a copy of this CD recently. The sound is not quite as dynamic as the vinyl original in my opinion - but this doesn't detract from the quality of the songs and performances.
Listening to it again, I still love `Country Girl' - which was released as a 45 (remember them? :-)), but the melody of the first single from the album `One Lonely Room' has paled slightly for me. The song also features one of the worst couplets ever written, with Justin mourning the loss of his love and singing: `You left a car that had no wheels/You left some shoes that had no heels'. `Raised on Love' is another song with weak lyrics - they are far too soppy - but its very pretty tune compensates for this.
`Tightrope', `Stage Door' and `Lay it on Me' are outstanding tracks, the latter enlivened by Justin rocking-out on guitar - reminding everyone of what a fine player he is. And the voice! What a great set of pipes he had (and after seeing the Moodies live last year, still has!)
The title track is split into two very different, but interesting parts, although I personally think part one - with its more conventional structure - is superior to part two.
The original ten track album ended with two excellent darker tracks `Doin' Time' and the string-laden `Nostradamus', but there are four bonus tracks on this CD release.
Of the additional songs, the single `Marie' - written for his wife - is a good song, with Justin hitting the top of his vocal range. Its original `b side' `Heart of Steel' has a chorus that screams `Eurovision Song Contest' to my ears, but overall it still sounds better than I thought at the time of release. `Wrong Time, Right Place' is pleasant, but totally forgettable. Also included is a perfunctory cover of Buddy Holly's 'Learning the Game'.
The sound of this album is very different from that of the parent band, and also the lush Hayward/Lodge collaboration 'Blue Jays', but I believe any Moodies fan would be delighted to have this CD in their collection - if it isn't already in there.
32 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
'Songwriter' is Justin Hayward's first solo album. Recorded in 1977, two years after the release of the brilliant 'Blue Jays' album made with Moodies bassist, John Lodge.
'Songwriter' is a little different from 'Blue Jays' as it's a bit of a shift from the Moody Blues style of music. It seems that Justin Hayward has moved back to his roots and recorded songs that just wouldn't have worked with the early Moody Blues sound. This is a set of songs that would show Hayward in a different light while demonstrating still further his ability to write amazing songs.
It's a great album from a young Justin Hayward. If you liked 'Forever Autumn' from Jeff Wayne's 'War of the Worlds' then you'll like this album, it's also definitely a 'must have' for any Moody Blues fan.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This album showcases Justin's writing talent as well as his musical abilities. Each song has it's own personality and mood. The bonus tracks make this a great addition to your Justin Hayward collection.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A STEP AWAY FROM 'THE MOODIES'
Following success with the Moody Blues and with John lodge in Blue Jays, Hayward steered a wholly different course as a soloist. Read more
Published 12 months ago by J. McCarraher
Justin Hayward's 'Songwriter'
I've owned this 1976 LP for a long time and recently decided to changeover to CD..
I always thought the album excellent. Read more
I always thought the album excellent. Read more
Published on 15 Jan 2010 by M. Pont
Mmh! - Only 3 reviews?
Perhaps many fans of the Moody Blues have not heard this record? That would be a pity. I first bought this as a vinyl LP in 1980 on my honeymoon in Stockholm at a second hand... Read more
Published on 2 Jun 2009 by Mikie
So dissapointing
I have always been a fan of the Moody Blues and own the Blue Jays record and CD of Hayward and Lodge. Read more
Published on 4 Mar 2009 by Izant
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