U.F.O.
Phenomenon

THE REVIEW

Third Album for the English band of primary importance since, the guitarist Bolton leaves the group to make room for what would become or perhaps already was one of the greatest guitar virtuosos Michael Schenker, the younger brother of Rudolph, who will continue his career with the Scorpions unlike his blood relative.

The inclusion of the German will prove to be a pivotal move for the band's works starting right from this. "Phenomenon" opens with "Too Young To Know" a short track, only 2.29 minutes, not extremely fast but still endowed with a moving/rapid rhythm and punctuated by Schenker's solos, a definitely worthy introduction for a record of this caliber. The second track "Crystal Light" is a slow one, opened by the harp, continues along Mogg's clear voice, ignites in Schenker's guitar, and is closed harmoniously, in the best tradition of ballads, first by the voice and then by the guitar. An elegant and refined track. "Doctor, Doctor" is a historic piece of the band, starting on tiptoe, poetic, which suggests another ballad but suddenly, the rhythm changes and the song turns into a sweeping Heavy Rock supported by Mogg's, this time rougher, inspired voice and a compelling Bass/Drum background, not to forget the fundamental contribution of Schenker's Riffs. A gem for the record, and for the career of the Aliens. The next track "Space Child" is rhythmically calmer than the previous one, living its moments of greater brilliance during Mogg's sung part in which we hear a clearer clean voice, but especially in Schenker's solos that occupy almost the entirety of the time, in which the Teutonic reaches truly celestial, unattainable levels, his virtuosity captivates the listener and the mind for that inhumane atmosphere they manage to convey.

"Rock Bottom" deviates from previous works, fast, intense, fiery it changes the style imprinted so far and catapults the listener into a predominantly Hard Rock sound, in which glimpses of Blues can be found, Schenker's contribution is once again top-notch as he tackles once more with fantastic solos, the one in the central part is nothing short of extraordinary. The track also builds on Mogg's hard and catchy chorus and finally, especially in the final part, by Way's drums. Throughout the piece, the cleanliness and mastery in instrumental execution are especially surprising. The next track "Oh My" is lighter and more relaxed, the riffs are less heavy and the whole song turns out to be rhythmically without excesses. "Time on my Hand" slows down even further but is a very beautiful and romantic song.

The track number 8 "Built for Comfort" is my favorite. "Dirty" and hot sound, blues, the best of the track, accompanied by Schenker’s somewhat slow guitar solos that impart that smoky gambling hall air, an image I like to associate with these types of music, a voice present just enough for a great track that would have deserved a longer runtime. "Lip Stick Traces" is a track where only the slow and elegant rhythm of the guitar and drums is present. Finally, "Queen of the Deep" follows a particular rhythm, starting off quiet for a minute and a half, and then gains altitude carried by a great Mogg and Way's bass, subsequently experiencing the turbulence of Schenker's solo, and for those who believe the landing is soft, they are sorely mistaken, the record is closed by the massive Riffs of the German's guitar supported by Way.

Great album, perhaps not the best of UFO but one that I appreciate greatly since it's the first with that genius Schenker.