Customer Reviews

Part of the Game

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The "hit", of course, on this album was the disco-rock "I Want You Tonight". That song was a "nod" to the times (late 1970's). The remaining tracks, however, are more sophisticated and demonstrate good song-writing, great vocals and harmonies, and some emotional depth. For example, "Giving It Away", starts out as a terse poem, but slowly develops into a heart-achingly beautiful song. The title cut is infectious. "Tell Me That You Love Me" is an emotional plea with a great hook. "How Many Tears" is also memorable. If my memory serves, most of the tracks are long (over 5 minutes, I believe) and were clearly not aimed as pop/charting singles. It is evident that the band enjoyed making this album.

This release represents what was great about late 70s recordings. It exudes a warmth and punch that is not matched by all the technology of today. Some of the tightest drum sounds abound on "Part Of The Game". The "disco" element of "I Want You Tonight" only adds to its charm. Unpretentious, melodic and holds up well. Great harmony vocals, too.

On this album they were clearly trying different things.Some of it sounds like TOTO, some sounds like Ambrosia.Gone is the Jimmy Buffett style they had unconsciously attained on the first 4 albums.This album is not about escapism like their previous ones, this album is very much a sign of the times in 1979.It has a 1979 gas-shortage,Ford vs.Japan,bad economy tension to it.I liked I Want You Tonight when it first came out,but like all disco, it got old real quick!The track that I love on this album is For Another Town.That song makes this album great.Even if this is my least favorite by the group, I applaud them for moving in a different direction.P.S. this is the greatest album cover in the history of album covers!!!

Pablo Cruise, much like Player, proved that white guys could have soul to go with their rock. While many die-hard Pablo Cruise fans may not regard this as their best album, it definitely moved towards a more funkified sound. Lead guitarist and vocalist David Jenkins sings with soulful finesse on the track Givin' It Away. P.C. then brings things to an upbeat melodic pace with Tell Me That You Love Me(listen to that guitar strumming in the opening).The tune Lonely Nights is accentuated with some rapid piano and synth playing to denote the desperation felt in the meaning of the lyrics about a man needing his woman (or vice -versa). How Many Tears has a Fleetwood Mac-like intro with Nicks and Buckingham undertones. No more mellow-like Jimmy Buffet sounding tunes. One can feel the positive and fun filled energy these guys must have had making this album back in 78-79 !

This has been one of my favorite recordings for nearly 20 years. Unfortunately, my only copy of "Part Of The Game" was destroyed a few years ago and I have been searching ever since. These recordings have some of the warmest melodies that I have ever heard.

I have all the pablo cruise albums/records. Part fof the Game is the best of all of them.My absolute favorite one.

On this album they were clearly trying different things.Some of it sounds like TOTO, some sounds like Ambrosia.Gone is the Jimmy Buffett style they had unconsciously attained on the first 4 albums.This album is not about escapism like their previous ones, this album is very much a sign of the times in 1979.It has a 1979 gas-shortage,Ford vs.Japan,bad economy tension to it.I liked I Want You Tonight when it first came out,but like all disco, it got old real quick!The track that I love on this album is For Another Town.That song makes this album great.Even if this is my least favorite by the group, I applaud them for moving in a different direction.P.S. this is the greatest album cover in the history of album covers!!!

I BOUGHT THE ORIGINAL RELEASE ON VINYL AND IT IS STILL IN MY COLLECTION. A FANTASTIC ALBUM

"Part Of The Game" #39 1979.
Saw these guys perform at Fort Hays State in the fall of '79, great show! David Jenkins was quite the showman 32 years ago! Just a great concert for $6.00! For me this album is their classic. You get the title track, "I Want You Tonight" #19, "How Many Tears?", "For Another Town", "Lonely Nights", Corey's keyboards are in the forefront here, the rocky "Tell Me That You Love Me". "Givin' It Away" great harmonies and "When Love Is At Your Door" great funk bass by Bruce. Tremendous album by these Northern California pop rockers.

This is by far the best of all Pablo Cruise albums, good from start to finish. Tight drums and vocals, excellent musicianship - they were an absolute joy to see perform live back when this album came out.