Customer Reviews

Backlash

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I don't know what more you could say about John Waites distinct voice. He sings rock like nobodys business. Ballads? You bet. I spent many summer days driving around, windows down, and this little gem of a cd cranked. This cd is a little tighter than the first. Song writing a little more focused. The first almost felt like it was pieced together from different cds. It's been a long time since I bought a cd I could listen to all the way through and not get bored. They definitely left us on a high note. This cd, and others like it are why I don't listen to radio any more. Get a mind of your own and buy this cd. It's worth it. Take it from David Bowie..."I am the DJ, I am what I play"

The only problem with this alblum is that it was released in 1991. By then the new grunge rock had seeped into the MTV brains of the new youth generation and the rock of the 1980s was old news. No one really cared. Except for people, like me, who will always love the music of the 1980s. If you loved Journey and/or the Babys then this is a must buy. It is just as strong as Bad English's first alblum. But, due to it being the 1990s got very little airplay.

John waites excellent voice combines with the superb guitar playing of Neil Schon, of which some of his best work is on this album. No fillers on the entire album, from the rockin 'Straight to the heart' & 'So this is Eden' to the haunting 'Savage Blue', an excellent album for the car or gym, I never tire of listening to it. Give it a listen. Shame they broke up.

Bad English primary attraction to myself is Neal Schon, one of the truly great guitarists. People mention Journey, but the group and music is not very comparable, except for Neal. Schon is always good, his playing is not over powering like some guitarists, but his solos are impressive, unique and melodic. The rest of the band are accomplished muscicians which makes a very easy on the ears style of rock - comparable more to Toto sound. The only reason I don't give 5 out of 5 is the songwriting - nothing special there.

John Waite on vocals, Neal Schon on guitar, and Jonathan Cain on keyboards.....it doesn't get better. John Waite and Neal Schon belong playing together. The only bad part of this CD is that it was their last work together. "Straight to Your Heart" gets you rockin', then "Time Stood Still" & "The Time Alone With You" shows off John's voice and writing ability. "Savage Blue", "Pray For Rain" and "Make Love Last" round out a fabulous album.

I'm a fan of Journey, this is mostly Journey with a different Lead Singer who is also good, so why not? They deliver.

Ever since i was introduced to the song "Time Alone With You" that was a radio hit back in 1991, never had i really expected that years later it would continue to be a constant listen in my player for its rocky and catchy package. Those putting their last work down should know first what they're talking about, because every song has its story to tell. From the ballad smoothness of Time Alone With You, Make Love Last and Time Stood Still to the edgy Straight To Your Heart and to the adventurous Rebel Say A Prayer and the passionate Savage Blue, this album is tops, without a doubt. If you like high-energy rock that has a lasting, melodic edge to it, then Backlash is definitely it.

Backlash is the second and last album by Bad English and, like the first one, it is one of the most enjoyable albums I've heard so far. It is not easy to get tired of it; John Waite performs at his best and combines perfectly with Neal Schon's guitar. A superb album.

While I gave it 5 stars (cause I love Bad English) I have to say that unlike other reviewers, I don't think this CD is better than Bad English's debut. NO SONG can top "Possession" or "Forget Me Not", though "Straight to Your Heart" comes very close. That song, as well as "Pray for Rain" are the only songs that I really like on this entire CD. I think most of the songs sound similiar. Another great group to check out that reminds me a lot of Bad English is "The Storm". Their debut came out in 1991. If you can find it and it is still in print, you really need to get it.

Two short years after releasing their debut, which reached platinum status and charted five singles (most notably the top 5 hits "When I See You Smile" and "Price Of Love") Bad English folded when this album managed only a #42 placing for it's single "Straight To Your Heart" and stopped on the album chart at a dismal #72.

Why remains a mystery. Everything that was good about the first album has been improved on greatly for this release: the songs are tighter (and there's less of them, so it doesn't overstay it's welcome like the first one tends to), the playing sounds more like they mean it, and best of all, the rockers not only rock, they're actually great to listen to.

"So This Is Eden" is a great opener, but almost all of the tracks qualify as highlights. My personal favourites are "Time Stood Still", "Pray For Rain" and "Life At The Top", but there isn't a poor cut here.

Recommended to all John Waite/Babys fans, and those who like their Journey with a harder edge.