Customer Reviews

Boats Against the Current (Reis)

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I was a huge Raspberries fan (unfortunately discovering the group 'after' they had disbanded). They had offered so much in talent, it seemed unbelievable that they could be ignored or denied the success they should have found. For Eric Carmen to rise (momentarily) from those ashes was remarkable.

Boats Against The Current was his masterpiece and also, strangely, the one that stalled his career. There was a conflict of interest with the origional producer and Carmen had to take over, becoming producer, as well as the artist.

The record went over budget and I personally think what really stalled his career was press (at the time) that began to paint him as a prima dona (his first album succeeding- they looked at the time and the money being spent here, then suggesting that it was going to his head). I remember some reviewers actually comparing this to the worst 'middle of the road tripe' of the time.

This record was (and remains) a work of art. Apart from Take It or Leave It and She Did It (the commercial/catchy offerings), it's a moving, reflective piece of work that studies the real highs and lows of life, love and the pursuit of dreams. Carmen indicated at the time that it was inspired by Fitzgerald's writing. Well... it's inspired work all on its own, too.

If you're looking for something that you'll find yourself listening to, time and time again; work that will take on added meaning as each year passes, this is music to be heard.

Masterpiece isn't a word to be offered lightly. This remains a masterpiece- from the melodies, to the lyrics, to the arranging, musicianship and engineering.

I'll guarantee you- it will lead you to a wealth of work- from his Raspberries offerings, to other solo efforts with some real gems.

But this is the one that artists hope to make. And it's the one audiences should listen to.

This album was mysteriously dismissed by record critics everywhere in the late 70s -- as an orchestral pop record, it could hardly be better. Eric Carmen infuses his original songs with borrowed phrases from classical music that give them a lasting melancholy and a powerful melodic hook. This album evokes, with best kind of urgent passion, the tender lost romance of young love (Runaway) and the wistful loss of innocence (Nowhere to Hide). Over time, this album has developed a burnished glow, and, inexplicably, is only available on CD as an import. A dark, romantic gorgeous album, this record also has its share of kicks -- She Did It has a lively bounce, and Take It Or Leave It again treads familiar Carmen territory, music-industry betrayal and the search for one's original voice. Boats Against The Current has been covered by many artists, and enchantingly incorporates the simple Row Row Row Your Boat melody as its intro hook. Buy this, you will love it. I've never stopped playing it.

Boats Against The Current was one of my favorite albums throughout high school. Somehow, I could identify with what Eric Carmen was tryig to convey through these songs. I found and purchased the CD as a 41st birthday present to myself, and rediscovered the songs, and the true passion he put into this project. Quite simply.....an absolute pop masterpiece!! If anyone needs any proof that great music really does stand the test of time, look no further. I highly reccomend this CD to anyone who loves Eric's music as I do, or just loves great music!

I have to go along with what everyone is saying here. This has been one of my favorite albums since around 1978. I found it cheap in a cut-out bin. I remember thinking at the time that it didn't take long for it to end up there. But, at the same time, I wasn't surprised either. Where I grew up, it seemed that most of the best music was unheard by most of the local folks. I came to learn that this phenomena wasn't occuring just locally, but was, in fact, a national event. I'm relieved that I never subscribed to the "if-it-ain't-on-the-radio-then-it-ain't-real-music" mentality. You can miss out on the best stuff this way! However, I do remember "She Did It" getting pretty generous airplay in my part of the world. It could be that this album sold fairly well then too. But, if it did nobody talked about it or played it at parties. I played it all the time! I still think it's one of the best albums I've ever heard! There was a pretty impressive list of guest musicians on it too.
As far as tracks, I don't think there's one bad song on this album. Of course, like all albums you have your favorites. "I Think I Found Myself," "Take It Or Leave It," and "She Did It" are, in order, the outstanding tracks for me. I wouldn't call this album entirely mellow as there are some intense spots. What I would call it is just a really good, probably even a great album.

I agree with all reviewers that this album is one of the greatest going. I too picked this album up in what I believe may have been a "deleted" title bin as it had a "punch" hole at the corner of it so it was real cheap (it was so long ago I cannot remember the price). My primary reason for buying it was for the cut "She Did It" which was on the charts. But was I ever surprised when I heard it all. Back in the 60's as well as present, I get tired of hearing the same tunes day in/day out rotating daily. Why could we not have a station that could play stuff from great albums such as Boats Against The Current? It would keep our ears so fresh. It is really sad when some great music is not played and listeners miss the chance to hear more selections from different artists that never get heard unless you have the album personally. What a shame!!!!!
This Eric Carmen LP falls with greatness with artists like Peter Cetera. They are so great to hear from!!!!!!

Erique (Homer) Ecetera

This is what all musicians are suppose to acheive. A classic album made by a great singer and songwriter. This alum has been my favorite album of all time since the first time I listened. I enjoy listening to several different artists and no other album acheives the same musical quality. WHAT A TALENT !

The vinyl record of "BATC" came out in 1977 when I was divorcing my ex witch..er..wife. It was time of real upheaval, sleepless nights, drunken excess, regret and bitterness. This record was the soundtrack. I couldn't hear the title track without weeping openly. But to dismiss this flawless pop masterpiece as a sugary tearjerker is waaaay off base. Each song, without exception is a meticulously crafted emotional sketch that has stayed with me for over 25 years. If you love Elton John & Billy Joel you can't help but be amazed by this disc. A true wonder from start to finish, and it stalled Carmen's career because it lacked a big hit. Too bad. Millions of people have been deprived of a stunning musical experience. Don't be one of them !!

BOATS AGAINST THE CURRENT is a timeless masterpiece that stands as the greatest album ever made. From the somber opening notes of the haunting title track, to the moving 8-minute classic "Run Away," "Boats..." moves us as a concept album dealing with a young man's loss of innocence and struggle for personal freedom and search for identity in the world. It is an amazing collection, and the most underrated album of all time. Best tracks include the rollicking, Rod Stewart-esque "Take It or Leave It," the soul-searching "I Think I Found Myself," the beautiful "Love Is All That Matters," and the haunting "Nowhere to Hide." The disc also includes the top-20 hit "She Did It." Excellent backup from former Elton John bandmember Nigel Olsson and excellent string work from Paul Buckmaster (another frequent EJ collaborator). The disc was to be produced by EJ's main producer (at the time), Gus Dudgeon, but Carmen and Dudgeon did not get along, and Carmen felt this work was too intensly personal for someone else to produce. Two additional tracks from these sessions, "Hey Deanie" and "Someday," ended up on the disc's follow-up, "Change of Heart." Too bad they were not incorporated into this release, they fit perfectly with the theme of the album. Hopefully one day some label in America will decide that this masterpiece is worth re-issuing... until then, definitely check out this import - it's well worth the price!

"Boats Against the Current" Is Eric Carmen at his finest. It blends Pop Ballads, Classical Music with string arrangements on half the songs and Piano and Power Rock into one heavenly sound that still sounds fresh even today. This can be said with most his albums but "Boats" worked the best. It is a crime that his CD's are only available on Japanese Imports... With the exception of his first album and his latest and a few greatest hits albums... you would think that the US Record companies would wake up and domesticly release all of his solo albums.. he only has a total of six. The Japanese Imports do a great job of doing him justice by supplying lyrics to all the songs in English and also in Japanese. The hits are the title track and "She Did It" but after a few listens you will be enjoying the other songs as well.

There's a classic old line that says that books pick us--that we don't pick books. Well, I have to believe that music picks us too. This album certainly picked me and changed my life. I had never heard music like the music on this album. I wondered how can this artist know so much about me through his words and his music. It was like this album was written for me. Some 20-plus years later, this album still remains my favorite album of all time.