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Editorial Reviews
Steve Winwood's Nine Lives is his first 2008 full-length studio album since 2003. The album's first single is "Dirty City", featuring guitarist Eric Clapton, which held the #1 added single spot for three weeks in a row and peaked at the overall #2 spot on AAA Radio. Winwood is an English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who, in addition to his solo career, was a member of the bands the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Go and Blind Faith.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
23 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
It seems as though we forget too easily just how vital Steve Winwood is. His release rate is sporadic, and as the saying goes, `out of sight, out of mind.' Nevertheless, he's been providing us with great music since the British Invasion (yeah, it's been that long) as a member of the Spencer Davis Group, then with Traffic, then Blind Faith, then the revised Traffic, and finally, as a solo artist. His music has always been relaxed and reflective, but with a strong rhythmic drive and a timeless quality that keeps his music relevant through all sorts of stylistic changes. He may not make a lot of records, but he always makes good ones, so it shouldn't surprise me to learn that "Nine Lives" is as good as it is. The surprise is that it's even better than I had any right to expect.
"Nine Lives" sounds a lot like second-generation Traffic, with less noodling and more focus. The songs build on blues riffs, jazz, and folk-rock, all coupled with African and Latin influences. There is precision and elegance to virtually every track on this album, without a single extraneous note. It all makes perfect sense, from the nailed down rhythmic grooves to the song lengths, which linger only long enough to make you want more. "Nine Lives" hearkens back to an era when good music defined our culture, but it doesn't sound the least bit dated or forced. In the best sense, this album could have been released in 1972. With nine tracks passing by in approximately fifty minutes, it's even the right length for a classic vinyl album.
From a topical perspective, Winwood is still relying on the imagery that has served him well in the past. There are lots of metaphors here - flying, drowning (or more specifically, not drowning), raging seas and struggling to find higher ground. He's not a lyrical genius, but the songs are so strong that his words take on a sense of import, and most importantly, he sounds like he really is trying to convey something honestly. Apparently, he still feels as though he's struggling to hang on to something (Relevance? Sanity in a world without pity?), yet the music is never less than relaxed and confident. Is "Nine Lives" as good as his previous solo albums? Definitely. It is certainly his best record since "Arc of a Diver," maybe even since "Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys." There is no filler here, just 100% vintage Steve Winwood, and that is better than good enough for me. A Tom Ryan
"Nine Lives" sounds a lot like second-generation Traffic, with less noodling and more focus. The songs build on blues riffs, jazz, and folk-rock, all coupled with African and Latin influences. There is precision and elegance to virtually every track on this album, without a single extraneous note. It all makes perfect sense, from the nailed down rhythmic grooves to the song lengths, which linger only long enough to make you want more. "Nine Lives" hearkens back to an era when good music defined our culture, but it doesn't sound the least bit dated or forced. In the best sense, this album could have been released in 1972. With nine tracks passing by in approximately fifty minutes, it's even the right length for a classic vinyl album.
From a topical perspective, Winwood is still relying on the imagery that has served him well in the past. There are lots of metaphors here - flying, drowning (or more specifically, not drowning), raging seas and struggling to find higher ground. He's not a lyrical genius, but the songs are so strong that his words take on a sense of import, and most importantly, he sounds like he really is trying to convey something honestly. Apparently, he still feels as though he's struggling to hang on to something (Relevance? Sanity in a world without pity?), yet the music is never less than relaxed and confident. Is "Nine Lives" as good as his previous solo albums? Definitely. It is certainly his best record since "Arc of a Diver," maybe even since "Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys." There is no filler here, just 100% vintage Steve Winwood, and that is better than good enough for me. A Tom Ryan
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
While I've always had an appreciation for all aspects of Steve Winwood's music (solo and non), I've never really gone nuts for any of it. Until now...
Nine Lives is simply a fantastic album. The instrumentation is sparse, made up of mostly Winwood on Hammond and guitar, a drummer, and a percussionist. Occasionally, he's joined by a sax or flute player, and on one track Eric Clapton jumps in for a smokin' guitar solo. The vocals consist of Steve, solo, without a doubled lead vocal track or any background vocals. It's a fairly minimalist arrangement, but the sparseness just makes it that much more effective.
The groove is mostly laid back, and the songs are extended into mostly five to seven minute explorations of a musical idea. The album isn't flashy, and Winwood doesn't seem to be trying to impress anyone with his skills. He's just out to have a good time, and make some music that he enjoys. It translates to a remarkable album.
Nine Lives is an unexpected joy. I can't seem to listen to it enough, and I know I can't recommend it highly enough. It takes a lot for an album to really blow me away. Nine Lives blows me away...
Nine Lives is simply a fantastic album. The instrumentation is sparse, made up of mostly Winwood on Hammond and guitar, a drummer, and a percussionist. Occasionally, he's joined by a sax or flute player, and on one track Eric Clapton jumps in for a smokin' guitar solo. The vocals consist of Steve, solo, without a doubled lead vocal track or any background vocals. It's a fairly minimalist arrangement, but the sparseness just makes it that much more effective.
The groove is mostly laid back, and the songs are extended into mostly five to seven minute explorations of a musical idea. The album isn't flashy, and Winwood doesn't seem to be trying to impress anyone with his skills. He's just out to have a good time, and make some music that he enjoys. It translates to a remarkable album.
Nine Lives is an unexpected joy. I can't seem to listen to it enough, and I know I can't recommend it highly enough. It takes a lot for an album to really blow me away. Nine Lives blows me away...
38 of 48 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
If you liked him in "Blind Faith" and his jazzy phases, this CD is for you
May 4, 2008
Format:Audio CD
I've liked Steve Winwood through most of his career, including Blind Faith, Traffic, and his solo music. I'm not as much a fan of the pop tunes as I am the jazzier, bluesier music.
The single of "Dirty City" a gritty Blind Faith style number with his old friend Eric Clapton led this CD out into radioland. It's my favorite cut of the collection and the reason I bought the CD.
"Fly" is lovely. The flute at the end of the song is compelling and really conjures up the image of flight.
I'd like to see "At Times we Forget" get some airplay. It's got strong lyrics and is a good listen.
Check out the samples on this page and see what you think. While this CD is mostly jazz and blues influenced, fans of Winwood's pop may find a few cuts they really enjoy--and the price for this collection is excellent.
The single of "Dirty City" a gritty Blind Faith style number with his old friend Eric Clapton led this CD out into radioland. It's my favorite cut of the collection and the reason I bought the CD.
"Fly" is lovely. The flute at the end of the song is compelling and really conjures up the image of flight.
I'd like to see "At Times we Forget" get some airplay. It's got strong lyrics and is a good listen.
Check out the samples on this page and see what you think. While this CD is mostly jazz and blues influenced, fans of Winwood's pop may find a few cuts they really enjoy--and the price for this collection is excellent.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
so so
The only compaint I have is that I don`t like most of the songs. I bought it for one specfic song and thats okay. It`s not uncommon for me to not like most of some discs. Read more
Published 2 months ago by jon moczulski
5.0 out of 5 stars
steve may have nine lives
maybe steve is making a joke about all the incarnations of his career to date. he certainly has floated in and out of the "music scene" over time. Read more
Published 3 months ago by st.steven
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous solo album Stevie!!!
This is one of the better albums I've heard in the last 5 years or so, that's for sure. There are several songs I enjoy and almost always listen to the whole album from beginning... Read more
Published 12 months ago by abacus
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just what I wanted
I hadent read a review or ever listened to Nine Lives before I purchased the CD. Ive always enjoyed Steve Winwood and think the reason I like this CD alot is because of its chilled... Read more
Published 16 months ago by Yendor
5.0 out of 5 stars
41/2 stars. 5 stars if started from track 2.
Not a fan of the first song "I'm not Drowning," it just doesn't fit with the other eight songs.
"Fly" is an awesome tune that brings you back to the seventies, it would have... Read more
"Fly" is an awesome tune that brings you back to the seventies, it would have... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Hornell Fred
4.0 out of 5 stars
Winwood lives!
I have yet to hear a Steve Winwood album that doesn't have its great moments, but "Nine Lives" is a special one. Read more
Published on November 20, 2010 by maelje
5.0 out of 5 stars
Throwback Album to the Classic Steve Winwood Style
From 1986 to 1988, Steve Winwood rode a wave of popularity and critical acclaim. The wave began with the release of 1986's "Back in the High Life" - which proved to be both a... Read more
Published on March 8, 2009 by L.A. Scene
2.0 out of 5 stars
Nine Lives
Steve Winwood has some good riffs in this album. Only problem is almost every song is based on some riff that is played over and over and over and over again. Read more
Published on February 24, 2009 by hoopguy
3.0 out of 5 stars
A bit surprised
When I purchased this CD, and I read others reviews, I kinda expected a CD with powerful lyrics and beat. Read more
Published on February 12, 2009 by BamaBopper
5.0 out of 5 stars
smooth, bluesy, jazzy
I agree with the other reviews that state that this cd reminds them of Winwood's early days. Although some songs do seem a bit repetitious, each is enjoyable in it's own way. Read more
Published on February 10, 2009 by super reader
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