Customer Reviews

Living in Oz

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Cover photo notwithstanding (though maybe it looked less silly in 1983), this album made an excellent case for consideration of Rick Springfield as a serious rock artist. "Affair of the Heart" is as powerful as its lyrics are sensual, and "Human Touch" was a progressive (for its time) look at how computers and technology isolated people from one another. For this reviewer's money, though, the best tracks were those on Side 2 (tracks 6-10, for readers who don't remember albums or tapes), particularly "Motel Eyes", one of Rick's best and rawest cuts, and "I Can't Stop Hurting You", wherein Rick (or the song's protagonist, take your pick) cops to mistreating the woman he loves, and laments the fact that he can't seem to stop doing so. "Like Father, Like Son" ends the albums on a somber note, but one that should have listeners thinking about the tradition of families to mindlessly carry on stifling, even cruel traditions in the name of religion. Definitely worth owning, even if Rick was trying a little too hard to be taken seriously at this point. (It worked!)

Living In Oz is among Rick's best sets of music (along with Rock Of Life, Tao, and Success Hasn't Spoiled Me yet). Of course the hits are great - Human Touch, Affair of the Heart, and Souls. He also hits the mark with Me & Johnny, Motel Eyes, and Living in Oz. It's a straightforward collection of mid-80's pop-rock.

When Living in Oz was released in 1983, gone were Rick Springfield's bubblegum, teeny bopper days of "Jessie's Girl," "Don't Talk to Strangers" and, the worst of the lot, "How Do You Talk To Girls" (ugh). On this album, Rick shows that he knew how to do plenty of things to girls and that he knew how to write interesting and kickin' rock songs. Two of the singles demonstrates the maturity in Springfield's songwriting in terms of music and lyrical content. The synthesizers in "Human Touch" and "Affair of the Heart" bring depth to the music. Yes, it sounds very 1980s but, if you like that sound like I do, this is an album for you. The third single "Souls" and the title track really rock. In fact, I can see hard rock/heavy metal fans liking a lot that is on this album. The evil voice hissing "I'll touch you and squeeze you and make you miiiine" blew me away the first time I heard it (THIS is Rick Springfield?). "Like Father, Like Son" is an interesting track with an orchestra.

Lyrically, this album definitely geared itself towards a more mature audience. Most of the songs are about sexuality (the "hard place" indeed). If there was any cover photo of Ron the "working class" dog that followed the theme of this album it would not be appropriate for young eyes. Rick thoroughly explores the art of having affairs. In the case of "Alyson," the subject of the song is an actor filming steamy love scenes (no doubt, on a soap opera) in front of the husband of the co-star with whom he's having an affair. "Affair of the Heart" was surprisingly graphic for a pop star with a young audience: "You shudder and shake, sink your teeth in my skin." "Motel Eyes" moves into another sexual topic: "Though there was something wicked about the way she flexed her thighs" and another nice line, "She started saying something about movement versus size." "Like Father, Like Son" is a strange yet interesting song about a man traumatized by his heavy-handed religious upbringing. If you only know the "Jessie's Girl" Rick Springfield, I recommend checking out Living in Oz. It will change your perspective on the former teen heartthrob.

Living in Oz released in 1983 is one of the finest examples of softer side of melodic rock. Comparing this with �gWorking Class Dog (known by Jessie�fs Girl) and "Success Hasn�ft Spoiled Me Yet", quantum improvement can be found. This album is consistent throughout, and characterized by top-quality songwriting and fine production.

"Human Touch" excellently mixed state-of-the-art techno-pop sound with warm human voice became huge hit. "Affair Of The Heart" with brilliant string arrangement is one of my all time favorite songs. �gSouls�h is a dramatic emotional ballad.
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Other tracks that didn�ft become hits are super as well. �gMe and Johnny�h is warm-hearted love song while �gLike Father, Like Son�h is a tribute to his deceased father. �gMotel Eyes�h is marked with solid-edged beat. Title track "Living In Oz" is a nice rocker starting from heavy guitar riff. �gTiger By The Tail�h catchy and sort of dual meaning song shows his inner struggle to create his own style. Survivor�fs �gEye Of The Tiger�h which unleashed the metal fury might have given him strong shock as well as encouragement to keep his own style and inspiration for the art of song arrangement. "Affair Of The Heart" starts off like �gAmerican Heartbeat�h and �gI Can�ft Stop Hurting You�h opens by �gEye Of The Tiger�h like intro. Though living in Oz (Australia) his mind was always on American mainstream rock because becoming big in America was his lifetime dream. He really did a great job. He finally caught the Tiger (Survivor) and joined the ranks of top melodic rockers.

If you would like to get one Rick Springfield album other than his greatest hits, this one is definitely the top candidate.

just when i thought this album couldnt possibly get any better..I got it on CD!!! OH yea CRANK IT UP!!!This CD really rocks and was ment to be played LOUD!!!!

Back in 1983 when this recording was released I was fresh out of high school and a friend talked me into going to a RS concert in Louisville because it would be full of girls. While we guys were certainly the minority, what I experienced was nothing less than one of the top five live performances I've ever seen. This man is a master entertainer and this album (showing my age :-) was the one that proved he was more than a pretty face (in fact, he was a musician long before taking up acting to pay the bills).

Living in Oz displays a maturity in songwriting as well as subject material that makes this recording a good one to listen to in private with headphones.

This is definitely a two thumbs up!

I have several of his albums and in my opinion, this is his his best. It is rock music with thoughtful (if not "deep"), and sexy lyrics. At the time, he had two commercially successful albums under his belt, but was ridiculed by the music establishment as being a "bubble gum" artist. Living In Oz was his effort to quiet his critics and prove to the world that he could play serious music, not just pop hits. I think he more than accomplished his goal. As a young adult I listened to Rush, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Led Zeppelin, The Cars, Foreigner, Cheap Trick, etc. I was a rocker. But to this day I love this guy! 23 years later, I can still crank this album up and enjoy every song. I've seen Rick Springfield twice in concert. Once in Denver at Red Rocks back in the early 80's and once at the House of Blues in Orlando in the early 2000's. Both were awesome experiences. I'd go again in minute to see him, and I'd advise anyone who likes 80's rock music to buy this CD. It's a lot of fun.

Nobody believed Rick could be heavy, yet sound so good. An absolute bombastic, energetic, fun album. Rick's finest work. Songs that make you wanna groove and bang your head at the same time. This is a cd that when you hear songs such as "Souls," "Motel Eyes," or "Affair Of The Heart," you'll wish the volume control went pass MAX.

The only album I have ever owned where I've enjoyed every single track! And I never get tired of listening to any of them.

I have never had anyone ask me which Rick Springfield album is my favorite, but if I had to give an answer, I would have to say Living in Oz. This album defines Rick as a singer/songwriter who can really make his fans rock. My favorite songs include Human Touch (because "we all need it"), Affair of the Heart and Me and Johnny, which is based on Rick's life. For any Rick fan this album is a must have for your collection.