STRANDED

Stranded is the third full-lengt studio album by UK pop/ rock act Roxy Music. Keybord player Brian Eno left after the second album by Roxy Music called For Your Pleasure (1973) and thus a great deal of the experimental approach of the first two albums would cease to be a part of Roxy Music´s sound. 19 year old keyboard and violin wiz Eddie Jobson who had just recently left Curved Air would replace Brian Eno. Allthough Eddie Jobson is more than a worthy replacement for Brian Eno his style is not as experimental. Stranded also marked the beginning of saxophonist Andy Mackay and guitarist Phil Manzanera contributing to the song writing. Bryan Ferry was still the main songwriter though.

The music is sophisticated pop/ rock, but a bit more mainstream and accessible compared to the eclectic debut and the dark and experimental For Your Pleasure. The songs are generally enjoyable if you can stand the distinct vocal style of Bryan Ferry. An aquired taste for sure.

The musicianship is excellent. Nothing but top notch musicians in Roxy Music.

The production is professional and well sounding.

Stranded is not as interesting as the first two albums from Roxy Music IMO, but that doesn´t mean that it isn´t a high quality production and a good pop/ rock album. I would recommend starting with the first two albums though.