JANE III

A real disappointment after some of the heights they scaled on the first two albums. It explores similar territory to Wishbone Ash using the same twin guitar line up but there is still enough of Jane in there somewhere to give the album an identity which is unique. The real problem with this album are some truly abysmal vocal performances. It seems like the band was trying to be democratic but handing the vocal duties on a potentially great track like 'Mother You Don't Know' to Charly Maucher is a disaster. The results are a great composition married to the worst pub rock vocals.

' I Need You' fares better its a great composition and a fine melody, but the vocal is still the weakest part . The version which appears as 'Rest Of My Life' on the live album 'At Home' is miles better. Piano and acoustic guitar feature on the ballad `Way to Paradise' which has a passable lead vocal . Despite the flaws its still a good album , interesting and a part of the Jane story so 3 stars .