SAFETY IN NUMBERS - 21ST CENTURY REDUX

Maybe I'm at a disadvantage here as this is the first time I've ever heard music by this band but I was left very much underwhelmed. The original "Safety In Numbers" was released some 30 years prior to this 2007 release but not with their original singer so he's back on vocals here as they removed his replacements singing plus they spruced it up I understand along the way. Three tracks here weren't on the original but were recorded during that time, just left off. I picked this up mainly because it seems most like this "redux" over the original. I maybe should have checked out their debut first but it having been named album of the year back then by Rolling Stone Magazine certainly doesn't make me run out and buy it.

The first two tracks had my attention and I was thinking I had something really good here. "Safety In Numbers" opens with strummed guitar before it turns fuller with clapping before settling back with vocals. A full sound on the chorus. A pretty good opener. "Lighten Up McGraw" is my favourite by far. I like the sound of the guitar in the intro as it starts and stops before kicking in. Nice. Vocals follow. I like the drums and bass as well. The best part is that instrumental section after 3 minutes as the guitar lights it up.

I'm not going to say much about the rest because I don't like to be insulting but "Nuclear Apathy" isn't bad at all but I found as the album played out I got less interested. The three tracks left off the original probably shouldn't have been added here although that's just my opinion. I am amused with "Jungle Man Lonely" though for some reason(haha). I was surprised how much the vocals and harmonies on "Flashlight(Of Love)" reminded me of SPOCK'S BEARD just not as good.

A low 3 stars as I'm just into commercial sounding music although there is one proggy track in my opinion. This just doesn't suit my poor tastes I guess.