The doomed sequel
3
By julyguy
As a fan of robert Palmer, Duran Duran, and Chic, I keep coming back to this album. Recorded in 1996, I don't recall seeing it in US stores until around 1998 (on Guardian records) with a blue cover, unlike the red one shown here. In retrospect, this was an ill-fated reunion. John Taylor dropped out of the project after only the writing stage was complete, due to divorce & rehab. Producer & Chic founder Bernard Edwards stepped in as a group member & played all bass parts. Unfortunately, he passed away of pneumonia before the scheduled release date. Robert, Andy & Tony were then left to tour & promote as a threesome to little success, as the album fared poorly with no hit singles. Then in 2003, Robert and Tony both died prematurely, just two months apart.
As a sequel to their 1985 hit debut, Living In Fear mostly works. Notoriety & She Can Rock It both stand out as rivals to the best tracks on that album. The missteps here are tracks like Dope & the title track, where the band venture too far into heavy metal territory and end up sounding overbearing. Apart from the heavier tracks, the Power Station funk-rock/pop formula is still intact here. An adequate addition to any Robert Palmer fan's collection.
Collectors- be on the lookout for alternate tracks on the Japanese edition. Babyin' You, Charangha, & Let's Get It On are not on the US edition of the album. Here on ITunes, Power Trippin' is replaced with Let's Get It On.
