Customer Reviews

Far From Home

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Before I start getting angry e-mails, I realize that most people don't like this album, and I think I understand why. This isn't really a Traffic album. Chris Wood is dead, Dave Mason isn't coming back, and Jim Capaldi simply serves as a ready sidekick for Steve Winwood's solo ambitions. Trippy psychedelia is gone for good, there's no one to jam with, and there's too much slick studio sheen. "Far From Home" isn't retro enough for Traffic fans, and there's not enough pop hooks for Winwood fans.

However, in this reviewer's opinion, "Far From Home" IS a great hybrid of Winwood's solo and Traffic work, and should be heard by fans of BOTH Winwood & Traffic. This isn't 1969, and a Traffic reunion album isn't going to make anyone think it is. Instead, "Far From Home" combines the soulful vocals and pop-rock genius of Winwood's solo efforts with the intelligent songwriting and willingness to be different that marked his best work with Traffic. "Here Comes a Man" is unlike anything I've ever heard, melding studio perfection with '60s eclecticism. And "Nowhere Is There Freedom" wouldn't have sounded out of place on "John Barleycorn" or "When the Eagle Flies."

But don't compare this album with "Traffic" or "John Barleycorn." Compare it with the disposable pablum of '90s Top 40 and Adult Contemporary radio, and it will stand up very well.

Many people probably wish this album had never been recorded. I, for one, will always be "Glad" that it was.

Just like their classic release from 1970, "John Barleycorn Must Die," Traffic's 1994 reunion album, "Far From Home," was initially meant to be a Steve Winwood solo album, but it ultimately morphed into a Traffic album. Singer & multi-instrumentalist Winwood was working on the album, aided by his old friend & Traffic bandmate, drummer Jim Capaldi, but the duo decided that the new music they had created sounded SO much like Traffic, that they may as well release it under the Traffic name. They did, and Traffic were back with their first new studio album in 20 years. Although the group was now a duo---flautist/sax man Chris Wood had passed away in the 80's, and original guitarist Dave Mason did not take part, nor did any other former Traffic member---"Far From Home" turns out to be a glorious return for this classic British band. Although "Far From Home" does have a 90's polish to it, Winwood & Capaldi successfully recapture the musical spirit of Traffic that made the band so special during their initial run in the late 60's and early 70's. Their unique mix of rock, jazz and folk (seasoned with a dash of art rock) is back, along with Winwood's soulful voice and inspired keyboard, organ and guitar playing, as well as Capaldi's superb, solid drumming. Winwood also successfully summons the spirit of Chris Wood by playing the occasional bit of flute and saxophone, which is the essential icing on the cake. And every song on "Far From Home" is a winner, including the brilliant rocker "Here Comes A Man" (which was released as a single, and, goshdarnit, should've been a big hit), the outstanding, hypnotic rock of the title song (including an ace guitar solo from Winwood at the end), the spiritual "Holy Ground" (featuring some lovely pipe playing from special guest Davy Spillane), the totally funky "Some Kind Of Woman," the fun, horn-section pop of "Every Night, Every Day," and the excellent instrumental finale, "Mozambique," with Winwood & Capaldi kickin' out the jams just like they used to do in the old days.I don't mind telling you that, listening to "Far From Home" now, I get a little bit misty-eyed. With the sad, recent passing of Jim Capaldi, "Far From Home" is now, officially, Traffic's final album. Having recently been inducted into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall Of Fame (and deservedly so), Winwood & Capaldi were gearing up to reform Traffic once more with a tour, and, quite possibly, a new album. But sadly, with Capaldi's death, it was not to be. Still, I'm eternally grateful for all of the wonderful music that Traffic have given us, including this marvelous reunion album, "Far From Home." Their respective solo albums are indeed great, but I still say that Traffic was easily the very best thing Steve Winwood and Jim Capaldi ever did in their long, impressive musical careers. Their musical chemistry together, along with Chris Wood, Dave Mason and other band members over the years like percussionist Rebop Kwaku Baah, was simply sensational. With "Far From Home," Winwood & Capaldi bring back the good ol' magic of Traffic one last time, and your Traffic collection just ain't complete without this album, so buy it. Thank you, Steve & Jim, and long live Traffic.

I agree i did not like it the first time i heard it but wih two more listens ...the music on this cd just became fantastic.
I just dont understand why people are givong these mixed reviews....the bottom line is that the music on this cd is unique and anyone who is a traffic or steve winwood fan will absolutely enjoy it...

For this longtime fan of Traffic and all related solo careers,this album was Steve Winwood's best work of the 90s, an effort whichstands proudly alongside Traffic's old classics. This is a Traffic album in every respect, distinctly different from a Steve Winwood solo album. I loved Winwood's early solo efforts, but for me his solo albums got less and less interesting as the 80s wore on. With "Far From Home," Steve successfully broke out of the mold of his solo albums and got back into the looser, jazzier feel of Traffic. The songs are funkier and more spontaneous, often slowly unfolding in their richness. For me, the centerpiece of the album is the masterful "Holy Ground," which has a Celtic folk feel and a highly spiritual tone. I find more heart and soul in this song alone than in all of Steve's post-1986 solo albums combined. If you really love "Refugees of the Heart" and "Junction Seven", then maybe this album isn't for you. However, if, like me, you yearn for more music with the spontaneity of "Low Spark" and the depth of "Arc of a Diver", then you just might enjoy this album as much as I do.

This recording should really have been released as a Steve Winwood solo album. As such, it would not have been as dissapointing. Traffic fans have come to expect less from Winwood as a solo artist. With the exception of his self-titled solo debut his non-Traffic output has been less than inspiring. As a Traffic album, this disc misses the organic excitement one experienced with that once great band. The band on this disc consisted primarily of Winwood on all instruments but drums and fellow Traffic survivor Jim Capaldi assuming the seat behind the drum kit. The late,great Chris Wood is sorely missed. Unfortunately, the recording sounds dated and stiff. The only cut that comes across as being inspired is the instrumental Mozambique. When Traffic toured to support this album they managed to hire the talents of some exceptional musicians. As a result, this material played a lot better live and as a band they were truly exciting. It's a shame they didn't continue in that vein. Give this one a pass and go to John Barleycorn Must Die, Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys, Shootout At The Fantasy Factory, On The Road and When The Eagle Flies...Simon

I purchased this album in 1994, shortly after it was released. Although I like the album overall, it is not at all like Traffic albums of years past. The problem is that it sounds way too much like a Steve Winwood solo album; as a Traffic album, it comes up a bit short. For example, "Riding High", "Here Comes A Man", and "Every Night, Every Day" would sound much more appropriate on a Steve Winwood album. Even so, I like Winwood's solo work too, so this album to me is not as big of a disappointment as some might find it. The bottom line: Diehard Traffic fans should stick to the older material.

I'm absolutely appauled by the many sour remarks concerning this "Traffic" album. NO, it's not a "true" and "pure" Traffic album from yesteryear, but I don't want to get into that. Folks, the anti-Winwood/Capaldi remarks are just UGLY. Knock it off! In fact, this is some GREAT music. All of this nonsense about trashing this music comes from idiots that just don't like the idea of Winwood and Capaldi using that Traffic name. BUT LET'S TALK ABOUT THE MUSIC! As with Steve's 2003's "About Time", this disc keeps "real" and less processed-sounding, as in his Junction Seven fiasco. Steve gets to show off more of his capable guitar playing on this disc too. A real delight! Buy it today - along with Steve's new album!
10 STARS!!!

I stumbled across this album by accident even though I'm an old fan of the group. I didn't expect much at all but it is amazingly good. The production standards are on a par with the best of Steve's solo projects but the songs are allowed to run longer and develop at a slower pace than his "hits." More along the lines of classic Traffic, in other words. Fine drumming and percussion by Capaldi, too. And Mr. Winwood's voice is as good as ever. This one flew under my radar when it came out but now that I've found it I can't get it out of my changer.

I read many of the previous reviews and hesitated to pick it up and the CD costed about 400 Rupees here.But Traffic,Grateful Dead and Doors are my most fav bands and I always have a desire to own whatever they have recorded.Yesterday I went to my fav hi-fi music store Planet M in my city Calcutta and was surprised to see many Import CD's with lowered prices and to my surprise "Far from Home" was one among them(just 199Rupees).Immediately I picked it up,came back home and popped it in my CD player.I agree,I didnt like it much when I listened to it first time.But after 2nd listen this CD had its effect on me.And after 3rd listen I must say it's just mesmerising!This is Traffic of the 90's,so some changes are expected.But it's in no way similar to Steve's solo effort,it's not pop guys,it's the classic rock,it's Traffic Reborn after late 60's.And from the Jazzy feel and Steve's guitar solos and awesome keyboard work you'll realise it is definietely Traffic (maybe with little twist).Buy it folks,give it 2 or 3 listens,this CD will have it's place in your memory,am sure.My personal favs in this CD are the rocking tune with Steve's guitar solo "Here comes a man",the epic title song "Far from Home",the Celtic folk orineted ballad "Holy Ground"(it'll be one of my fav ballads,play it when you and your wife/girlfriend are together) and the Instrumental "Mozambique".All songs are good though.Steve again shows his guitar talent.And his soulful voice is just gets better with age,what a voice!
LONG LIVE STEVIE,LONG LIVE TRAFFIC!!!

Yes, I did have some suspicious thoughts about a "reunion album" concerning traffic. Most reunion albums are just a waste of everyone's time and, after all, Chris Wood is dead, and he much contribuited for the overall sound of the band. But, incredibly, he is not really totally absent here. With the use of sampling keyboards they included some of his flute and sax playing on some of the songs. It was amazing to hear! Besides, the chemistry between Winwood and Capaldi can not be denied. The songs are strong and magical. Here comes a Man, the title track, This Train Won't Stop, State Of grace are all great tunes that could easily fit in any of their best albuns. the others tracks are good too and not one can be said is just filler. I really wished all the "reunion" albums could be as powerful as this one. Ten stars for this one? indeed!