Customer Reviews

Circus Bar

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"I'm Back" is a fitting opening number for Circus Bar, the long-awaited second album from former Bad Company vocalist Brian Howe. It's been a long time since 1997's Tangled in Blue (or Touch, if you have the 2003 reissue), and it seems like every year I would read another interview where Howe would tease us with the possibility of new music.

Tangled In Blue was a very light, pure AOR album, and Howe promised a harder rocking album this time around. Well, Circus Bar still has plenty of slow and sappy love songs, but there is definitely more of a rock edge this time around. The first four tracks are all upbeat rockers, as is the hard-hitting "If You Want Trouble." I'd have loved it if the rest of the album was in the same style, but the second half of Circus Bar is pretty low key. Still, with a voice like Howe's, even the radio-friendly love songs sound that much more impressive. He sounds about as good as he did on those classic (to some, at least) Bad Company albums. The only real dud on Circus Bar is "My Town", an ode to football and the heartland where Howe seems to be channeling his inner Toby Keith (or maybe John Cougar Mellencamp).

In addition to the new material, Howe also revisits his Bad Company days with new versions of "How About That" and "Holy Water." The updated "How About That" is kid of flat, actually, but the acoustic version of "Holy Water" was a cool touch.

Was it worth waiting 13 years for? Probably not. It's still great to hear Howe's warm powerful voice again though. As long as you're not expecting another Holy Water, fans of Howe's work in Bad Company should enjoy Circus Bar, as should anyone who enjoyed his earlier solo material. Hopefully he won't keep us waiting quite so long for a follow-up.

A great CD from beginning to end. I totally disagree with the review below that says the CD blows and there are no hooks. The CD is full of hooks and melody. Much better than his last CD...The version of Holy Water is very different but I actually like it better than the original. Highly recommended!

I've always been a Bad Company fan, but I actually preferred the '80's era band fronted by Brian Howe. I saw them in concert with Damn Yankees somewhere around 1990, and it was one of the best "sounding" shows I've ever been to.
Having said that, I read a favorable review for "Circus Bar" on [...] last week, and came over to Amazon to give it a listen- without hesitation, I bought the digital download. I've been playing it ever since. Howe's voice sounds just like it did in his Bad Company heyday, and the songs are high quality, and fun to listen to. There are a couple of Bad Company songs that have been re arranged for this album, and they work.
All in all, a great album, and I rate it as a must buy.

Brian Howe had renewed my faith that good rock and roll is still being created. His writing and vocals are 'spot on' - as always! Looking to remember what great music sounds like? Give this one a try.

Brian's voice is better than ever! Great songs. Great singer. Great album! Thank you Brian, for a giving us a real gem...

i love this album!! REALLY!
if you like songs like; This Love, If You Needed Somebody and this kind of music, you'll love this album.

the piano/orchestral version of Holy Water is just wonderful!!

defenitely a must have for any fan of AOR music.

Super smooth great sounding CD from the former Bad Company vocalist. Adult AOR with just the right amount of rockin guitar.

A collection of beautifully written and produced songs...with one of the greatest voices in rock. I think this is well worth long-term rotation on your MP-3 player or whatever mode you choose to listen through. I find it a wonderful reprise to 80's rock. Thank you Mr. Howe....and I hope this effort leads you to even greater levels of accomplishment. Just goes to show...age is irrelevant and its passion and fortitude that counts...in any aspect of life. Oh...and the band is simply spot-on...well done!!!!

the rockers sound not too bad. However, the songs all seem to sound the same in terms of where the notes go. I guess it is a comfort thing for Brian. He has the pipes but needs to find some good songwriters.