Customer Reviews

One of the Boys

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

(4.5 stars)

I was really surprised at how much I ended up liking this album, since Roger's solo career seems to be rather hit and miss. I thought I had already heard his two greatest albums, 'McVicar' and 'Under a Raging Moon,' really loved his 1987 album 'Can't Wait to See the Movie,' and have heard positive things about the 1992 album 'Rocks in the Head,' but didn't think there were any other of his solo albums that were really all that great. It just goes to show that one shouldn't take too much stock by what other people have said if one hasn't directly experienced that thing yet. Everyone's mileage varies, after all. I had never gotten the impression that this was considered one of his better solo albums, but I've been really impressed with just how strong and Who-like it is. Among my favorite songs are "Say It Ain't So, Joe," "The Prisoner," "Doing It All Again," "Avenging Annie," and the title track.

I think that part of the problem with his less-than-great solo albums has been the type of people he chose to work with. Here he's working with writers and musicians who are stronger than usual, and since Roger is almost entirely a singer and not a songwriter or musician, he's really only as good as the people he works with. They can make or break him, and they really made him in this album. This album, made in 1977, also marked the first time since "Here for More" in 1970 that he tried his hand at writing songs again. He co-wrote three of them, "The Prisoner," "Satin and Lace," and "Doing It All Again." Another issue with his lesser solo albums, I think, is that he can sound sort of conflicted and out of character, like trying to make an independent musical voice for himself yet at the same time stay with his safety blanket of Who-like songs. There's no real hint of such musical schizophrenia on this album, and there are even quite a few Who-like songs. The variety of musical styles also helps, and it just doesn't seem really dated like some of his other albums, like his self-titled debut or 'Ride a Rock Horse.' It still has a fresh modern sound to it.

When one listens to an album like 'Ride a Rock Horse' or (so I've heard) 'Parting Should Be Painless,' one can wonder just why Roger wanted a solo career in the first place. He just doesn't fit the profile of a bandmember who wants or needs a solo career, since he didn't have a unique musical message and wasn't having his contributions routinely ignored by the more prominent bandmembers. But when one listens to a nice album like this, it becomes obvious that under the right circumstances, Roger could be quite effective as a solo artist.

Good selection of songs, they fit perfect with Daltreys voice, which is brilliant on this recording.

His voice is just so great on these songs and there is good ballads as well as rockers! I think he sometimes sings better on his 70's soloalbums than on a lot of The Whos stuff.

First I got to say that Roger Daltrey is one of the greatest singers of all time Period. It definitely shows and this Album. He really blows you away on the tracks "Avenging Annie", "One Of The Boys", & "Say It Ain't So Joe". I would say this album is better his albums "McVicar" & 'Daltrey". You wont regret it if you decide purchase this Album!!

"One of the Boys" is filled with strong material, well performed by Roger Daltry. Standout tracks are the dramatic "Leon", an enthusiastic "Avenging Annie", the brief but haunting "Doing it All Again", Paul McCartney's playful and interesting "Giddy", and the album highlight, an absolutely mind-sticking "Say It Ain't So, Joe". The other cuts are good, and grow on the listener with repeated plays. Well worth your time.

"One of the Boys", one of Mr. Daltry's earlier forrays outside of The Who, reminds us that Pete Townsend does not hold a monopoly on talent and creativity in the British Invasion rock band. The well-recognized "Who Sound" crops up routinely across all tracks, but so what, it's a good sound, and well worth hearing.

I've always liked Roger Daltrey; I think he's been a great front man for the Who. Tougher than Jagger, rougher than Plant, but still capable of delivering some very powerful and emotional vocals, especially on Who efforts such as "Who's Next" and (of course) "Tommy."

Unfortunately, Daltrey's solo albums never fared as well, partly because he wasn't singing songs by a certain Mr. Townshend. But "One of the Boys" is a welcome exception. I recently purchased this on vinyl, partly because I used to have the original and partly because ... I admit it -- I like this album cover.

But it's the songs that win the day, from the introspective "Parade" to the high energy of "Avenging Annie." Daltrey's in great voice here, and the set of songs is top-notch. He co-writes a few of the tracks, too, and does a very credible job of it indeed.

Who fans should like this, of course, but anyone who enjoys classic rock will, too.

Side One
1. Parade
2. Single Man's Dilemma
3. Avenging Annie
4. Prisoner
5. Leon
Side Two
6. One Of The Boys
7. Giddy
8. Written On The Wind
9. Satin & Lace
10. Doing It All Again

It seems that Roger Daltery's strong voice seems to stand out more in his solo songs then with The Who. I noticed that when he sings Avenging Annie. Just wish CDNow has some samples that people could listen too. That might even help to sell some more CDs!

rger daltrey out of the confines of the who as just being the fist bearin' singer he made an abosulte classic when he made "one of the boys" very track smacks of beauty and thought
and people said that members from a famous band can't make solo album well listen to this album and pepare to be amazed...
i first bought this on vinyl about three years ago and i played it regularly but as everyone knows vinyls wear out so i decide the other day to buy it on cd and i saw on the back you get a couple of bonus tracks not just the usual remxies this time
you get singles out-takes etc that are superb
the rest of daltrey's solo albums are un-even but are worth a listen
but if you want to get the full impact pick this up turn it up
and listen to some hard edged tracks and blissful ballads
yeah daltrey maybe the singer with the who and that's where his heart is but he was a fine solo artist
this album features two of the best songs ever written
"leon" and "parade"

well done daltrey hopefully the new who album will be a success!