Customer Reviews

Russ Ballard

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

 

 

I remember this album from when I was a kid - and, although not underated amoung those in the biz, I still can't beleive RB is not a much more sucessfull recording artist. I particularly think that the four ballards (perhaps aptly) on this album are outstanding - and much prefer his heartfelt version of 'Miricles' to Colin Bluntstones - despite his vocal acrobatics.

This album was realeased after Russ left Argent, and his stated goal was to creat an album that was different from anything he had done with Argent. This was indeed that! There are many lovely ballads on this album, marking Russ as one of the best songwriters around. I truly love "I Don't Believe in Miracles:, as performed by Colin Blunstone, but when I heard this version from Russ it quickly became my favourite.
Then "Fly Away" is really a catchy tune, with a great melody, and lyrics, a song to send you out on the sunbeams for sure:)
"Venus" is perhaps a personal favourite...

I am happy that these albums are getting re-issued, and this is a must have for anyone who is interested in truly great music.

Russ Ballard had been around the block a time or two before he joined Argent. He had been a member of The Roulettes, Unit 4+2 both of which scored hits in the 1960's. When he joined Argent he was a known quantity with an outstanding record as a singer/guitarist and songwriter.

With Argent Ballard had a couple of hit singles under his belt and decided when the band went in a more jazzy/prog rock direction to move out on his own.

His first solo album "Russ Ballard" reflects part of the sound that he brought to Argent and, although it lacks the jazzier elements that Rod Argent brought to bear in the band (along with drummer Bob Henrit and bassist Jim Rodford), "Russ Ballard" is a very strong solo effort. If it is more "Russ Ballad" than "Russ Ballard" with a heavier emphasis on ballads that's because Ballard was also an exceptional writer of ballads in addition to the rockers he contributed to Argent and other bands.

Opening with the rocker "She's A Hurricane" and continues with the 50's vibe of "Loose Women" featuring Mel Collins (King Crimson, Bad Company among other bands)providing his honking sax to compliment the song. "I Don't Believe in Miracles" is Ballard's version of the hit single he wrote for Colin Blunstone (of The Zombies)a great love song with beautiful strings arranged by John Barham ("All Things Must Pass"). "You Can Do Voodoo" continues the rocker vibe.

"Fly Away" opens side two one of the more interesting ballads on the second side. The rest of the songs aren't quite up to the opening second side opener or the closing ballad "Venus (Shine Your Light)".

The mastering on this CD reissue is good sounding although at times it sounds like it might be a vinyl drop to me. There aren't any remastering credits for the album.

The graphics for the CD appear to be scans of an original album and are a bit blurry for some and the lyrics are in fairly small print.

Recommended.

I'd been listening to the Zombies box set ZOMBIE HEAVEN and mythologizing all the musicians that passed in the night. I remembered just loving "I Don't Believe in Miracles" and thought that since Russ Ballard wrote the darn thing, it would be worth resurrecting for my Ipod. Well that track is as good as pop hits that never really hit gets, but the rest of the cd is just pure pop bilge. Find a place to download the one good song. Yes, you'll think there's probably something else on this cd that is just as good, but there isn't. Ballard was just a one shoulda been a hit wonder.