One Year [IMPORT]

Colin Blunstone

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 16, 2000)
• Original Release Date: November 1971
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Import
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000251VE
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #61,967 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Reissue of the former Zombies vocalist's solo debut, produced by his former Zombies bandmate/ keyboardist, Rod Argent. Contains all 10 tracks from when Epic first released the album in 1971, plus the original cover art. 1998 Epic release.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Post-Zombies Gem, July 5, 2004

By	Leonardo Flores "Uplandmod" (Rancho Cucamonga, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The post Zombies album recorded with 3/5 of them after they broke up. If you're a fan of their music this is the one solo record you absolutely need to buy. The album can be split into two parts: The pure pop songs of Mary Won't You...,She Loves The WAY They love Her, Caroline Goodbye and the absolutely beautiful sting arrangements of such songs as Misty Roses and Say You Don't Mind. Very Crafty! The current Zombies Touring group (Featuring Colin and Rod Argent) played two songs from this LP in LA and brought a string Quartet with them. Misty Roses and Say You Don't Mind Live will be a memory I'll never forget. There is a reason why they played two songs off this LP: It's one of the BEST! Buy it and love it!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classy 70's pop masterpiece, April 11, 2008

By	Elliot Knapp (Seattle, Washington United States) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: One Year (Audio CD)

One Year, so named for the year Colin Blunstone took off from the music business after the Zombies' failure to translate their incredible musicianship, songwriting and recording into commercial success, is nearly the equal (in quality) of the band's masterpiece, Odessey and Oracle. Not surprisingly, though, the album was even less successful than the Zombies' swan song. Luckily, all these years later, it's at last gaining some of the respect it deserves.

Essentially, the album is half finely-crafted 70's pop rock, half quirky ballads and more atmospheric tunes featuring primarily Blunstone's voice and incredibly compelling string arrangements. Of course, Blunstone's voice is the key draw--any fan of the Zombies is familiar with how ethereal, ghostly, and liquid it is, and One Year doesn't disappoint on the vocal front. The opener, "She Loves The Way They Love Her," is the first of several tracks that should have been hit singles, replete with a hook-laden vocal part and some screaming electric guitar. "Misty Roses" is a jazzy ballad; halfway through, the strings are introduced for the first time on the album, playing unusually dissonant lines, but it really works. When the vocal returns, it's backed only by the strings, and it's heavenly. "Smokey Day" is another slow-burner, with dual Blunstone vocals breathily harmonizing with one another in the darkness. "Caroline Goodbye" is another should-have-been hit single--the way Blunstone sings "no use pretending/I've known for a long time/your love ending," then wordlessly sighs is pure pop magic. Add "Mary Won't You Warm My Bed" to the list, with its springy beat and Blunstone's high-register vocal acrobatics. "Her Song" is one of the most successful string collaborations; instead of taking center stage as they do on other songs, they smoothly set a foundation for the singer's romantic pleadings. "I Can't Live Without You" is another of my string favorites--the cellos lay down a Gershwin-esque groove, and the soaring, wordless refrain is glorious (seriously). The album ends with the upbeat, searching "Say You Don't Mind," which displays more peppy strings and some of Blunstone's most hair-raising vocals. A fitting end to an emotionally-genuine and all-around catchy pop record.

Not only does he perform excellently on the album, Blunstone also reveals himself as a capable songwriting talent, independently penning four of the album's tracks (former Zombies Rod Argent and Chris White co-write three others). Although it doesn't really fit the bill of the psychedelic/baroque/jazz/ragtime/classical blend that made the Zombies tick, fans should be warmly rewarded by Blunstone's familiarly breathtaking pipes and the high standard of songwriting associated with the former group's members. The next one to check out is Ennismore, and after that, Journey--luckily they were both just released on a 2 on 1 (Ennismore/Journey)!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, September 1, 2008

By	Joy Andis "Adastria" (Seattle, WA USA) - See all my reviews

I originally had this album on vinyl many years ago. Admittedly, I lost track of Colin Blunstone's extraordinary solo career upon arriving stateside. Having said that, I am now happily rediscovering the material that I have missed, as well as replacing the vinyl with cd format. "One Year" is among the list.
Upon listening to this album again after many years, I was immediately struck by the depth and breadth of the quality of Colin's voice. He is still able to replicate many of these songs live (and even better) with his old pal, Rod Argent.
Having said that, this album is, in many ways, an extension of The Zombies/Argent projects. Many of those ingredients are in place here. For instance, Rod Argent, Russ Ballard, Bob Henrit, Jim Rodford of Argent contribute to this masterpiece.
Chris White, bass player in the Zombies along with Rod Argent are the producers. Ths songs; "She Loves The Way They Love Her". "Smokey Day", "Her Song", a stunningly beautiful song, were written by Chris White and Rod Argent.
Because the sound that the band Argent produced during this same time period, is so vastly different, one can see the immense diversity of musical styles and ranges that all these fine musicians have on display. And then there is Colin,who wrote the songs "Caroline Goodbye", "Though You Are Far Away", and "Let Me Come Closer To You".
Yes, this album deserves a listen, and yes I absolutely cannot say enough what a contribution these talented players have made to music. It is highly recommended, trust me, these guys do not dissapoint.