Customer Reviews

City to City

5 star:		(66)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Like a lot of the reviewers, I first heard this album when it came out and of course, the magical, mythic megahit, "Baker Street," was what prompted me to buy the album.

After opening with "The Ark," followed by "Baker Street" and "Right Down the Line," the rest of the song lineup -- which has the tunes placed in perfect sequence, by the way -- is great all the way through.

Everyone who loves the album has their own memories and mine began with the anthemic sax intro of "Baker Street" as I drove through southern Idaho on my way to Colorado on a blistering hot day in 1978. The Idaho AM radio stations must've played that song every hour as I drove along I-80N as it was known then.

The lyrics resonated with me then and still do to this day. I always like to play it when I'm driving on remote, lonely roads in the West -- I always get that old vibe time after time. In fact, I never get tired of hearing "Baker Street," or the rest of the tunes on the album -- which is a pretty rare thing, considering that I've listened to consistently for 26 years!

Why Gerry Rafferty didn't become a superstar is kind of a mystery to me, but this album will always stand out as one of the very best rock albums recorded. A desert island disc for sure.

Five stars plus.

"City to City" is one of the most underrated albums of the 1970s. Of course the album is primarily known for the huge number one hit "Baker Street" and "Right Down The Line," but many of the other songs on the album are great as well, particularly the interesting instrumental arrangement on "City to City," the strong interaction of lyrics and music in "Mattie's Rag" (which is my second favorite song on the CD behind "Right Down The Line"), and the purity of piano and vocals with an almost gospel feeling on "Whatever's Written In Your Heart." I deducted a star because there are several weaker filler songs on the CD, but the strengths of the album make them well worth listening to (or skipping.)

Gerry Rafferty is not one of the names most people remember from the 1970s, but that's a shame, because this album and "Night Owl" (my favorite Rafferty album) are excellent. I recommend this CD to anyone, particularly anyone pining for 1978.

Everyone should be familiar with the massive hit "Baker Street" which rocketed the folk rock singer and writer Gerry Rafferty into the halls of fame. This may be unfortunate, since it is generally the only song of his that people know. Get this album and you won't be disappointed! In addition to the aforementioned "Baker Street", the other hit from the album is "Right Down The Line". There are a few more very strong tracks such as "Stealin' Time" and "Whatever's Written In Your Heart".

If you love folk rock, then this will surely become one of your favourites. If you are more of a pop and rock fan, then this is sure to be a most worthwhile buy - definitely recommended. Also, take a peek at the *fantastic* album "North And South" - you may not recognise any tracks from it, but I rate "North And South" above this album in terms of all tracks being solid, thoughtful, and well executed.

I remember clearly the day I first heard "Baker Street", Gerry's quintisential hit. I was totally drawn in by the picturesque imagery of both the music and the lyrics. As I listened, my heart resonated with what he was saying, and then it came...probably one of the top ten guitar solos I've ever heard...and I've heard nearly all of them. Suddenly, all the forlorn feelings and longings for things to go straight in the story of the song just came bleeding out of that electric guitar. I was hooked. The first chance I had to get the album, I did. There is only one thing on the album that I didn't like at first listen, and that was the opening of "The Ark"...that became a very small issue suddenly as the remainder of the song made it's indelible statement on my heart. Once I had hear the entire album, I realized both that I'd just heard one truly amazing compilation, but also that one very important thing was missing, and still is to this day. Before I owned the album, I had the single of Baker Street, which had the most incredible b-side I've ever heard! It was called "Big Change in the Weather", and I've always wondered why it wasn't on the album (other than time constraints), but also why it didn't show up on "Night Owl", his next release. It could've easily been the next big hit for Gerry. Gerry, if you ever read this, please release this song on a re-mastered "City to City". The only other thing that doesn't impress me about the cd is the compressed sound in comparison to the vinyl I owned. This was truly a remarkable recording originally, with great dynamics and a nice clean, full sound.

Now, as to others calling some of the music on this album 'filler' or saying it 'doesn't hold up' like the rest...I would say this. Every song on this album has it's own real story, and they are all equally beautiful. Waiting for the Day is one of the most hopeful songs I've heard, as well as Home and Dry. I just love Island. It makes me think of being on Bora Bora. How a break away can give you clarity and focus. Whatever's Written...is truly powerful, starkly communicated love. From beginning to end, this is an amazing album. If you haven't heard it, but love "Baker Street", it will not dissapoint...if you aren't sure...trust me...there's a song for everybody on it.

I think it's because of Gerry's deep, silky-smooth vocals and the uptempo music that makes me think of summer days when I was a kid. Of course, everybody who grew up through that time knows "Baker Street" (which was one of the few non-Bee Gee's songs to go #1 that year-- and it held that top spot for about 6 weeks!). Although it IS a 1978 classic, there are other reasons to own this great album on CD. There's the pretty (but not mushy) love song "Right Down The Line" and my favorite track, the wonderful "Home and Dry." What a great, inspiring, upbeat track that just makes you feel good all over!! Gerry Rafferty made me a fan for life with it. :) Overall, this is a VERY good CD which is well worth picking up and reliving "the good old days." :)

Yes, it has been documented in every review that the biggest hit on the album is the adult contemporary radio staple "Baker Street" with Raphael Ravenscroft's timeless sax solo but that is not the only classic on this album, in fact there is not a dud in this bunch of classics. A few other highlights include 2 more top 40 chart followups "Right Down The Line" and "Home and Dry," plus these album tracks that show how talented this Scottish artist who was once the lead vocalist of "Stealer's Wheel is, including the poignant "Whatever's Written In My Heart," the title song, and "Mattie's Rag." While disco was also happening at the same time this was recorded, this album is singer/songwriter pop music at it's best and ranks right up there with the legends of the genre including Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, and Harry Chapin. If you like well-crafted pop music that stands the test of time, check this underrated gem out.

While the excellent single "Baker Street" is the best known song from Gerry Rafferty's ace solo album, "City to City," there are plenty of other great songs here worthy of the man who composed "Stuck in the Middle With You" as part of the band Stealer's Wheel. Rafferty shows himself to be a first rate songwriter, composing such fine gems as "Stealin' Time," "The Ark" and the masterful "Whatever's Written in Your Heart," which features him and his backup singers crooning with little backing instrumentation. Overall, this is one of the best rock albums from the late 1970s.

Oldies radio stations have almost made the world tired of Baker Street, even though it has always been a great song, and Right Down the Line may be a bit too sentimental for some people, although I loved it as a kid and still do. But what really sells this one for me is that all of the songs on it are good. In addition to the three good-sized hits (the third being Home and Dry) required to sell a record, Rafferty included a whole batch of songs with great melodies, diverse lyrics and terrific arrangements. The styles vary quite a bit, all held together by Rafferty's voice, one of the most unique of the seventies, and the focus on the music as a whole rather than some star's instrument. Because the real star here isn't Rafferty, it's the songs, and that's how it should be. With many CD's, I program the player to skip the three or four songs I don't see any point to. Not this one.

If you are a music lover, then there can be no doubt that you know "Baker Street" and "Right Down The Line". Many albums in the 70's and 80's were not vehicles for singles like they are now. It wasn't about selling single mp3's, it was about a collection of music that embodied a period of time. Gerry Rafferty crafted as solid a record as was made in the greatest period of rock (65-80). It doesn't get more professional and pleasant than this.

This album from top to bottom is musically and lyrically beautiful. This probably isn't a record you put on at a party, but one that you sit with and enjoy as a whole piece of music. The concept of the "album" is lost these days, but if you enjoy a solid block of music from an artist that puts you entirely within the context of the time it was made, simply mine the 70's albums for that type of experience.

"City To City" can be enjoyed for its' lyrics about escaping the rat race or enjoying your life as easily as it can be enjoyed for the great musicianship. There's a lot of talent on this album. Spend a nice, relaxing evening on the couch digging in to it. You won't regret it.

Highly recommended.

Just heard the news that Gerry Rafferty has passed away. Gerry had a very good career with Stealers Wheel and his solo career. (His lull in the 80's and 90's might of lead to his drinking problem, who knows). On this album "City To City" #1, in 1977, is one of Gerry's ultimate releases. "The Ark", a very smooth opener. "Baker Street", #2 a tune for the times, an instant classic, great sax by Rapheal Ravenscroft. "Right Down The Line" #12, another great single. "City To City", great title song, loved this tune back in high school. "Stealin' Time", 70's sound barnone. "Mattie's Rag", early Gerry here, upbeat number. "Whatever's Written In Your Heart", one of his best ballads. "Home And Dry", #17, driving pop-rocker. "Island", you can picture yourself on your island. "Waiting For The Day", the wistful guitar is something else, a lost classic that should be played and heard on the RADIO!
Other Gerry Rafferty I bought in the years were, "Night Owl" ****, "Snakes And Ladders" *** and "North And South"
*** 1/2.

R.I.P. Gerry, your in a better place. I wish more kids in there 20's and 30's would listen to some of his music.