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 'No Smoke Without Fire' is indeed a fully-fledged hard rock album by Wishbone Ash, the first one! Always melodic, but finally resonant, tough, booty-shaking.

 The concluding 'Way of the World' stands alongside the ancient and glorious epics of the band and certainly doesn’t pale in comparison.

Wishbone Ash's ninth studio album, 'No Smoke Without Fire,' marks a return to their English roots with production by Derek Lawrence. Featuring rich, melodic hard rock with strong bass and triple vocal harmonies, the album includes standout tracks like 'Ships in the Sky' and the epic 'Way of the World.' Though not every song hits the mark, the record overall is a solid addition to their classic rock legacy. Listen to Wishbone Ash's 'No Smoke Without Fire' and experience their powerful hard rock comeback now!

 The guitars are the ones that still and always earn the bread, whether they are electric or acoustic.

 An 'average' album of the Wishbone production, certainly without dishonor but without particular praise.

Wishbone Ash’s eighth album, Front Page News (1977), offers a soft, melodic rock experience contrasting with their robust concerts. Maintaining the accessible style and production of New England, it features strong guitar work and standout tracks like "Midnight Dancer" and "Come in From the Rain." While the album lacks major highs, and some vocal performances fall short, it remains respectable and notable for fans of classic melodic rock. Discover the melodic guitar craftsmanship of Wishbone Ash's Front Page News—listen to the classic tracks and explore their unique 70s rock sound.

 "Wishbone Ash were, are, and always will be the best interpreters of the dual lead guitar solution in rock."

 "New England marks a good resurgence for Wishbone Ash and deserves four full stars."

Wishbone Ash's seventh album, New England, marks a return to their strengths after a disappointing previous release. The band reinforces their signature dual lead guitar sound combined with blues, folk, and progressive rock elements. Highlights include standout tracks like "(In All of My Dreams) You Rescue Me," "Lorelei," and "Lonely Island." Overall, the album is a strong comeback that honors their classic style with solid melodic rock. Listen to Wishbone Ash's New England to experience timeless dual lead guitar mastery and melodic rock brilliance.

 'It is their absolute nadir.'

 ‘The most lackluster of famous producers, namely Tom Dowd... shame because the lead guitar works well, but the vocal delivery kills it.’

The review critically examines Wishbone Ash's sixth studio album 'Locked In,' marking it as the band's nadir with disappointing vocals, poor production by Tom Dowd, and uninspired melodies. Despite some competent guitar work, the vocal performances, especially by newcomer Laurie Wisefield, fall short. The album fails to live up to the band's earlier successes, appealing mostly to completists. Overall, it underwhelms fans expecting the classic Wishbone Ash sound. Discover why 'Locked In' is considered Wishbone Ash's weakest album and explore their classic hits for a true taste of their legendary sound.

 Damn, what an ugly cover! ... Nothing, huh!

 The vocal delivery of the leader, though still remarkable, has lost its splendid peculiarities along the way.

This review assesses Cutting Crew's fifth album, 'Add to Favourites,' highlighting its polished production and professional musicianship. While the album showcases a mature and American-influenced sound, it lacks the originality and vocal charm of their early work. The reviewer praises some tracks for their musicality but finds much of the album uninspired and conformist. Despite these critiques, the album remains a solid listen in a challenging decade for rock. Discover the evolution of Cutting Crew's sound—listen to 'Add to Favourites' and decide if this mature, polished rock album hits the mark for you.

 I much prefer this mature, breathless, and limited but sexy Joni Mitchell to that kind of exaggerated nightingale she was as a girl.

 Her voice gives me chills, even when tackling these antiquated pieces by Richard Rodgers, Mack Gordon, Harry Warren...

This review reflects on Joni Mitchell’s 1999 album Both Sides Now as a stunning mature reinterpretation of classic jazz standards and her own early songs. Despite vocal limitations caused by health issues and years of smoking, Mitchell’s voice gains expressiveness and depth. Orchestrated by Vince Mendoza, the album offers a sophisticated, emotional listening experience that contrasts with her earlier folk-rock style. The reviewer praises this phase as a uniquely evocative stage in her legendary career. Listen to Joni Mitchell’s haunting Both Sides Now and experience her timeless jazz transformation today!

 The music is balanced, intelligent, very professional, pleasant, varied.

 Many of the tracks fade from memory as soon as they are heard, never succeeding in doing anything truly striking.

The Zombies' 'As Far As I Can See' is a balanced and professional album reviving the classic sixties pop rock sound infused with psychedelia. While not groundbreaking, it features well-crafted songs with strong musicianship, especially piano and vocal performances by Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone. Highlights include the melodic ballad 'I Don't Believe in Miracles' and tracks with orchestral and intimate arrangements. The album requires multiple listens to fully appreciate and appeals mainly to longtime fans and lovers of retro pop rock. Listen to Zombies' 'As Far As I Can See' to rediscover classic sixties pop rock through skilled musicianship and melancholic melodies.

 With Randy Newman, the Woody Allen of songwriters, you either appreciate him or get bored.

 "Sail Away" is a very bitter depiction of the hypocrisy of a slaver who urges natives to board and leave the jungle...

Randy Newman's 1972 album Sail Away showcases his unique blend of irony, wit, and deep lyrical themes wrapped in calm pop and rhythm & blues influences. While his voice and appearance might seem niche, his songwriting brilliance is undeniable. The album includes standout tracks like the bitter title song and the future classic You Can Leave Your Hat On. This record marks a pivotal moment in Newman's career and remains essential listening for fans of thoughtful, melodic songwriting. Lyrics are as important as the music to grasp Newman's full artistic impact. Dive into Randy Newman's Sail Away to experience timeless wit and melodies—listen now and explore his lyrical genius!

 Irony has never been lacking for ZZ Top, and here they are... pretending to be caught with their hands in the cookie jar, actually marijuana.

 The intelligence and admirable minimalism of the three instrumentalists allow us to appreciate their musical philosophy, that sly way of playing without hurry or stress.

ZZ Top's El Loco, released in 1981, represents a solid entry in the band's discography, combining blues rock with clever irony and minimalistic musicianship. The album showcases key tracks like 'I Wanna Drive You Home' and quirky experiments like 'Heaven, Hell or Houston.' It serves as a prelude to their commercial breakthrough and highlights the band's steady evolution while maintaining musical integrity. Dive into ZZ Top’s El Loco and experience the blend of blues, irony, and 80s rock evolution today!

 Robben's distinctive traits as an exceptional jazz-blues guitarist emerge with unpredictable and daring phrasing.

 His blues is never melancholic and certainly not sad—joyful, agile, clear, and full of expressive nuances.

Robben Ford's 'Truth' is a sophisticated jazz-blues album emphasizing his skilled guitar work and expressive vocals. The record offers a mature, polished sound with a blend of jazz, blues, and rock. Guest vocals by Susan Tedeschi and superb musicianship create a balanced, fluid experience. Although not exciting for younger audiences, it's perfect for connoisseurs of refined music. It's an enjoyable collection highlighting Ford’s exceptional artistry. Dive into Robben Ford's 'Truth' and enjoy a masterclass in jazz-blues guitar and soulful, polished vocals.