Customer Reviews

Identity Crisis

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

 

 

Yes, this was The Sweet's last studio album, released originally only in Germany; that much is true. However, to say that it was their worst album is ludicrous. This album showed that Sweet, once again, was changing musical directions, as well as remaining true to their rocking ways. "New Shoes", and "Two into One" are prime examples of the Sweet's attempts at making inroads at the, then popular, New Wave genre, just as the title song and others, such as, "I Wish You Would" show them to be true to form. This album is definitly worth purchasing, and adding to any cd collection. It may not be Stairway To Heaven or Jailhouse Rock, but still a worthy collection of songs.

I had heard differing comments from reviewers concerning this disc by Sweet. I had expected disappointment, but I had to have this CD to complete my Sweet catalogue. I have been a fan from way back when "Little Willy" first came out, and have all their releases. But when I put this disc on, from the opening song "Identity Crisis" I stopped for a moment thinking this was good. As I progressed thru the CD, I was VERY pleasantly surprised by the quality of the music, songs, production and quality. I have listened to this more than several times since then, and I would recommend this disc to anyone who likes this band. It surprises me that "Love is the Cure" never made it as a hit, and it probably would have if it were released a few years earlier. This is good music and speaking for myself, I am very glad that I purchased this final disc for my Sweet collection.

The last two reviewers contradict each other, so a third opinion might create some balance and acknowledge what is true about both reviews.
Firstly, this is not the worst Sweet album. Some of the melodies here are truly delightful. "Love is the Cure" has a typically sweet melody one expects from messers Priest, Tucker and Scott. "Falling in Love" is also a strong and very enjoyable tune. "New Shoes" and "Two into One" are also both clever songs.
The problem with this album is that compared to earlier attempts, its clear that the same level effort was not put into its creation and production. This was probably due to the lack of commercial success that the Sweet's albums were receiving at that stage.
These guys could write fantastic melodies. No doubt about it. They could also write fantastic solos and incorporate them beautifully into the fabric of a commerical song. For example, take "Sweet F.A.", "4th of July" or "Discophony" from previous albums. Unfortunately, there's not much of the latter here, although the taste we get on Identity Crisis left me begging for more at the time.
On the whole, most Sweet fans will enjoy this album. Not like say Give us a Wink or their pierce de resistance "Cut Above The Rest", but Sweet had undeniable musicianship and a number of these songs still have this in abundance. The disappointment here is more to do with unfulfilled potential than poor music.

Sweet
Identity Crisis
Polydor Records
1982


By all accounts this record should have been a tepid boring affair from a band that had in effect, already broken up. The reality of what this record is blows away all expectations and shows Sweet going down fighting.

From 1979 onward, Sweet had a tough go of it. After vocalist Brian Connolly's departure, the band had to regroup. They were already phasing out their harder edge in favor of more lush radio friendly staples. That trend continued with the LPs "Water's Edge" and "Cut Above The Rest." The rocking Sweet of "Give Us A Wink" fame was in remission.

Fast Forward to early 1981. The band reconvenes and starts nailing down ideas for the next album. They were facing diminishing album sales and a record company that wasn't pleased with them. What were they going to do? The result is an album that stands shoulder to shoulder with some of their most acclaimed work of the 1970s.

The strength of the lead track sets the tone. It is classic Sweet; rough, ready and in your face. Great energy, guitar work and vocals, it just smokes. "New Shoes" has a great groove and Steve makes the most of it. The band's humor shows up on "Two Into One" with its tounge in cheek feel. Other notables on the album include Andy's work on "It Makes Me Wonder," which is a nice mid-paced track. "Hey Mama" kicks things back into high gear with great drumming from Mick. "Falling In Love" is another stellar track that should've been on the radio.

This album doesn't get a lot of love. Most don't know about it. The band was broken up when the it was finally released. No singles came from it, nor was any tour to promote it. Only when Andy and Mick reformed a version of Sweet in the mid 1980s did a couple of these tracks get performed live. It also had a very limited issue on CD and an original German vinyl LP if you could find one could run you $50 to $100 used. Translation, this could almost be called a lost Sweet album for its rarity. No other official studio album from Sweet was as scarce.

The bottom line - if you enjoy the harder edged Sweet - rocking, confident, some humor and really killer grooves; this is an essential album to purchase. This CD next to Desolation Boulevard and Give Us A Wink will be right at home. That would put this nearly unknown album right up there with their most regarded works.

As it should be.

I totally disagree with the previous comment about this being their worst album ever.'Two into one' is a very good song, as is the title track,and 'New shoes'is likewise very catchy ,and a song that you will remember.Certainly not as memorable an album as 'Cut above the rest',the first pre Connelly album,or the followup 'Waters edge', but.... please give this a listen,as it is very good, and I just wish this lineup had made more.

"Identity Crisis" is an appropriate title for the last official release by The Sweet. Any subsequent efforts under this name are more or less solo projects that employ the name to keep food on the table. While the album bears all of the hallmarks of The Sweet's sound (metallic guitars, high-pitched backing vocals, tight drumming), lead vocalist Brian Connolly is missing, having left the band in 1979. Other than the title track, nothing on this LP stands out. However, if you love The Sweet, there is no reason you shouldn't add this to your collection.

For die-hard fans only ! This was their very last original album released only in Germany (not even in the UK !) Arguably their worst album ever recorded and this is not only my personal viewpoint. Banal hard-rock where NOTHING reminds you of what was the original glam-rock by The Sweet. A Repertiore Records (Germany) 1992 release, not digitally remastered, extended booklet, original artwork... This is a waste.