MIRROR MIRROR

The last 10CC effort to date.but this is not truly a band effort actually.

It is true that the four of them appear on ONE song of this album and even not an original one : an acoustic version of "I'm Not In Love" (Stewart and Gouldman). It is of course one of the greatest rock ballad ever written in its original format. In this version Godley (drums) and Creme (piano) are performing backing vocals like on "Meanwhile". Still, it is by far the best track featured on this weak album. Almost naked but always great.

On top of this remix, Gouldman and Stewart are only co-writing two songs "Take This Woman" and "Why Did I Break Your Heart".

The band did already record some reggae songs over the years, and this album just repeats the story with the first two songs. Even if "Yvonne's the One" is co-signed with Paul McCartney, there is nothing to write home about. Nothing to do with "Dreadlock Holidays" which still remains the reference.

And "Code Of Silence" is a slow beat reggae ballad which could also be left over IMO (but lots of song here could have followed the same direction). I really have a hard time to find one outstanding track in this work.

Between the funky "Age Of Consent", the mellow ballad "The Monkey And The Onion", the disco-ish "Everything Is Not Enough" the choice is very difficult.

The most emotional one is ""Ready To Go Home" written shortly after Gouldman's father death in 1991. I guess it is also the best one from this deceptive album. Most of the songs are just smooth ballads which make the whole sounds as one and only song. Boring.

Some marimba for another reggae inspired song ? Here you go with "Margo Wants The Mustard". Funny theme but not a great song even if it might sound humouristic.

I guess that the band had no other choice than to call it quit after this very, very average album. Some members will revive the "10CC" name and toured recently but the flame is gone for a long time already.

Two stars. But this is really a maximum. Three out of ten is more realistic. For obvious reasons, this album will fail to chart.