Can't Look Away

Trevor Rabin | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 10, 2010)
• Original Release Date: July 27, 1989
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Elektra / Wea
• ASIN: B000002H5O
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  Audio Cassette  |  Vinyl  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (31 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,660 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Can't Look Away by RABIN, TREVOR

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can't Look Away (1989), March 3, 2005

By 

Mr. S. St Thomas "suckerfly" (UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Can't Look Away (Audio CD)

Considering 'Big Generator' took 4 years to surface, Rabin's solo album 'Can't Look Away' being released in 1989 is a miracle in itself. I bought this album on the day of its release, and I think I've owned multiple media versions of it for 15 years, cassette, compact disc, vinyl. If it came out on DVD, I'd probably buy that as well. It actually would make an interesting DVD, considering Trevor Rabin's biography and musical history, which are all contained on this solo album. Born in South Africa, Rabin's stance on Apartheid was cemented in his childhood, long before SUN CITY and other artists joined the campaign trail. His family links to Stephen Biko, and the whole struggle against apartheid are worth the purchase of Rabin's work anyway.

As a musician, by 1989 he had been a 'pop star' for almost 15 years, being first successful in the band RABBIT. Rabbit, in South Africa, is still the single most successful band SA has ever produced, it has almost Beatle stature in its success. Rabin was its principal songwriter, and by 1989, his talent and composition skills had truly matured, and are at their most effective here. He is also joined by producer Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd's The Wall, Peter Gabriel's 1st album), Rabbit producer Patric Van Bleurk, and Yes drummer Alan White. But it is really Rabin's showcase.

If you don't like eclectic albums, or those that do not stick with one genre of music, maybe Rabin's album won't suit your tastes. Each track is different from its last, and it moves through so many different genres in its time that one could complain that there is not much to hold on to. This has never bothered me about the album, because each song stands on its own for what it is, and his work is always tasteful to its genre. One of the standouts has to be the African influenced 'Sorrow (Your Heart)', which is by far, the catchiest song on this album.

'Something To Hold On To' was the single release from this album, but I always thought 'Sorrow' was so infectious in its commercialty. But I also understand that its heavily African influences would not a chart topper make. It also has a very Jon Anderson / YES type closing section vocally.

There is also indication of his future soundtrack work on the instrumental 'The Cape', which would sound beautiful if placed on a movie soundtrack or 'National Geographic/Discovery' channel documentary on Africa. For those who think Rabin has no sensitivity in his playing, it might be wise to listen to 'The Cape'. I've always thought Rabin was more than just riffs and chops, and between Rabin and (Steve)Howe, I'd always go with Rabin. Paired against Steve Hackett (ex-Genesis) is another battle altogether! His acoustic playing is not just Rabin playing guitar without amplification, and he shares an affinity in style with Mahavishnu Orchestra / John McLaughlin.

He is also seriously funky in his playing on the instrumental 'Sludge'. This weird, constantly time changing song is full of very funky lead guitar playing. The man is seriously underrated by those who could not stand him in YES. Not only was he an award winning classical pianist in South Africa, but he could play decent guitar as well. Go figure. It is often assumed that because he played simpler music in his tenure with Yes, that he wasn't as talented as what that band demanded. By this solo album alone, should testify that Rabin was an extremely talented musician, as well as a great pop songwriter.

'I Didn't Think It Would Last' is similar to material that were on his earlier solo albums, the ones that got Chris Squire's attention, and Rabin even got produced by The Kink's Ray Davies.
This song also could have been used as a single.

The title track is 'epic' in its execution, and perhaps, has Rabin's best recorded guitar solo. I haven't compiled any votes or anything, but 'Can't Look Away' is a mini-masterpiece just on its own. It captures Rabin's feelings about his homeland quite beautifully, and powerfully. It is a very emotional song beneath all the power chords. Don't let its surface fool you, this song was very much about Rabin's feelings about South Africa, and the recording captures that.

'Cover Up' has always been one of my favourites from this album, and the female backing singers just make the song in my mind, though I've never known what 'you suck on stones' means? Easily could have been a YES song for 'Big Generator / Union'.

One of my favourite albums in my collection, and it's just been way too long since Rabin put out a non-soundtrack piece of work. He has immersed himself in the movies, and I wish he'd release another album like 'Can't Look Away'. It's long overdue.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Same mastering as the original CD., December 9, 2005

By 

Jamie Tate (Nashville, TN) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Can't Look Away (Reis) (Audio CD)

This CD, touted as being REMASTERED, is digitally identical to the original CD released in 1989.

Also, the artwork is blurry. Only get this release if you can't find the original CD.

3 stars for false information on a great album.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best rock album of the late '80's?, July 29, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Can't Look Away (Audio CD)

Ten years on and this album still sounds utterly fantastic. The guitar playing is multi-layered and awesome. The backing vocals are sublime and the production is masterful. The real star is the songwriting. Each track is stunning with heartfelt lyrics and soaring melodies. Trevor Rabin is a genius of our time and this album deserves far more credit than it has been given. A masterpiece in rock music.