BREATHLESS

"Breathless" continues where "Rain Dances" left off, although this is even lighter and more difficult for me to digest. Same lineup as well, but there would be major changes after this was released. I must admit that giving this even 3 stars didn't seem possible after my first couple of listens, this is just too close to that soft seventies rock sound, but fortunately after many listens I started to appreciate the instrumental work a little more.

"Breathless" has a pleasant and light melody with vocals. Collins comes in before 2 minutes and later. "Echoes" is far and away the best track.The drumming, guitar work and bass play are all outstanding. A calm with flute 2 minutes in. It kicks back in more aggressively than before after 3 minutes. Vocals after 4 minutes. "Wing And A Prayer" features light keys and vocals. When the vocals stop the sax comes in at 2 1/2 minutes. Flute comes in late. "Down On The Farm" is very much a CARAVAN-like track written by Sinclair of course. As Tom Ozric says this one always makes me smile. Great lyrics with Richards understated vocals.

"Starlight Ride" is another mellow song with keys, vocals and flute standing out. "Summer Lightning" sounds really good for the first 30 seconds then it turns too soft for my tastes. The long guitar solo to end it helps though. "You Make Me Smile" is too commercial, although I don't mind the chorus. "The Sleeper" is an instrumental. I like the atmosphere to open. It kicks in with an uptempo melody after 1 1/2 minutes. Collins comes in after 3 minutes. "Rainbow's End" is again mellow with vocals.

Very difficult to give this even 3 stars, but hey there's enough here to say it's pretty good. Barely.