BALLAD OF A ROCK'N'ROLL LOSER

Having successfully plotted a path through the icebergs of major line up changes prior to recording their previous album "Eagle rock", Titanic found themselves back on a similar path when it came to recording this album. Gone after just one album was keyboard player Helge Groslie (he does play piano on the title track though), but this time the band did not bring in a replacement in that role. Given that the Titanic sound was until now based around the driving power of the Hammond organ, this inevitably meant a change of direction.

Unfortunately, this time that direction change sees the Titanic heading straight for said iceberg. All of a sudden, the songs are much more light-weight affairs, with twangy guitars and southern rock drawls. Part of the problem appears to be that no one is willing to step up as leader of the band, the songwriting credits being spread thinly among the remaining members. This only serves to emphasise the contribution made by the departed bassist Arica Siggs in that department.

The title track is a pleasant Blood Sweat and Tears like affair, but it is a million miles from the mighty power of "Underbird", the superb prog of "One night in Eagle Rock", or the organ driven excitement of "Sultana". "Ricochet", which closes side one, appears to be a half hearted effort to create another "Sultana", but it's more of a withered raisin really.

"Following a line" sounds for all the world like a song by Family, Roy Robinson doing a passable impression of Roger Chapman. The best track is the closer "Don't turn around", which has a slightly more considered arrangement, a decent melody, and some good (but sadly unaccredited) synth.

It really is difficult to remain positive about this album. Expectations were high as a result of the quality of the previous releases. We could have forgiven the band if they had produced something which rested on their laurels, but "Ballad of a rock'n'roll loser" is all too appropriately named. To be fair, this album may have formed the fulfilment of a contractual obligation to CBS records, as they left the label after its release.

Worth avoiding.

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