Customer Reviews

Vertical Smiles

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

 

 

While this recording has some good points, it also has some bad.....the "signature" sound of the late 70's is gone on this recording, replaced by what the band thought was a more "modern" sound. They were correct in that assumption, but incorrect in the long run (but hindsight is 20/20). The earlier Blackfoot albums turned out to be timeless recordings, whereas the ones that had the more "modern" sound were not nearly as enduring. Both Vertical Smiles and SIOGO are very difficult to find in most markets due to their initial and longstanding lack of commercial success. That is not to say that this particular Blackfoot effort is without merit. This is a good record and still fun to listen to once in a while, even though the sound is a bit dated. If you don't have it, and you like Blackfoot, it is worth buying.

I've been into Blackfoot since the 70's and i can't understand the negative reviews of this recording.This may not be the heaviest or best music by Blackfoot but it's a solid effort.Well worth buying!Ken Hensley worked well with Blackfoot.I'd also recommend this recording for all Uriah Heep fans out there.SIOGO also with Ken Hensley-Great Recording!This is better than all of the cheesey pop metal done in the 80's.Veteran Muscians with a good thing goin on. I'd like to see this line-up record another album again someday!

While not one of the bands better albums, Vertical Smiles is not as bad as SOME reviewers would have you believe.
Yes, admittidly, alot of the record DOES have a very dated, 80's feel to it (Blackfoot wouldnt be the first band that happened to)
And most of the keyboard heavy songs on the album would make even the most open minded Southern Rocker Cringe
But, for the first time on cd, it also has two of the bands standout songs: LIVIN' IN THE LIMELIGHT, and one of the best cover songs I've ever been privilaged to hear, MORNING DEW.
If you're a fan of the band, you might not like it as much as, say, STRIKES.Actually, if you're a fan of the older albums, you probably wont rate this anyware near them. But if you dont have a copy of MORNING DEW, you owe it to yourself to pick up VERTICAL SMILES.
Hows that for a review? The album [stinks], but on the strength of one song, you should run out and buy it?!
Spoken like a true cd collector!

We have Al Nalli to thank for turning one of of the hardest rockin bands ever into a band that was more concerned with hair and spandex then guitars and lyrics.This was the end for this awesome band from the south , this cd is for fanatics of Blackfoot only.

Ray

To the chagrin of the many luvas of the balls to the walls hard drivin southern rock sound.....Vertical Smiles was a very much welcome change from the usual flood of inane bombastics associated with likes of Molly Hatchet The Outlaws Skynard and that particular row of rowdies.

Its quite amusing how M-A-N-Y times one can reinvent themselves to the point of running it right into the ground - via the self -indulged 2XS of 'Strikes' 'Maurauder' 'Tomcattin'. It was one of the best things to happen when Ken Hensley joined the lineup-bringing a newer fresh dimension to the group sound.

Sorry if one hates keyboards...but listening to the boring chord progression of 'Highway Song' with its Free-Birdish overtones is ah...pure manuer to the max!

No apologies in regards to the tracks such as 'Young Girls' and 'Summer Days' with their dynamic spirit and verve that the above, very much sorely lack.

And if these songs sound dated...to those pristine earz of the benchmarked be all end all 70's days....betto unclog the wax....their is plenty of well written and played material on this superbly crafted 33 1/3 long playing platter.

So if ya dont like what ya hear....put it back where ya got it from...okay?

This album, as pointed out by others - may not be their BEST album (ok, CD - do people actually use the word "Album" anymore?) but it is right up there. As one reviewer pointed out - their cover of Morning Dew is worth the price of the CD. Buy it now! Great CD!

Sorry but I can't give this more stars. It was
very disappointing after I heard SiOGo and was
hoping for more of the same. While Siogo is
different it still is a masterpiece and loved
the keyboard addition of Hensley but this falls
flat. I think they just wanted to get it over
with. While some songs aren't bad I'd rather
listen to something else. SIOGO!

This album is Blackfoot evolving and changing, trying new things and trying to fit in with the sounds of the times that were making money. Was it pressure by the label, band members, or others that made them start slipping away from their Southern Rock roots? In any case, it is a different sound for them. It's not the same sound as "Strikes", "Tomcattin'", or "Marauder" and if you want something along those lines, don't buy this CD. If you're open minded and want to hear how Blackfoot evolves, then you will enjoy this CD.

My personal favorites on this CD are Get It On, Livin' in the Limelight, and Legend Never Dies. Are they knock-offs of other popular songs of the era (as suggested by critics)??? That's up to the individual listener. All I know is that I like the songs. Rick, Greg T., and Thunderfoot use the guitar riffs, vocals, and drums to make a different sound, but it's got some of the same 'ol feel and beat. You can hear them working together. But that doesn't mean that we've forgotten about Charlie. I wish he'd stayed around and kept that second lead guitar in there, adding that extra dimension that makes Blackfoot so great.

I believe each album needs to stand on it's own and not be a repeat or part 2 of the previous album. It's one thing to stay in the same genre and another to make a copy of previous work. But I also believe it's allright for an artist to branch out and try new areas. It would've been nice for Blackfoot to stay a little closer to its Southern Rock roots, but this effort is admirable in it's own right.

If you're already a Blackfoot fan, give this album a solid chance. Put away your preconceived notions of what Blackfoot "is supposed to sound like" and listen to it with new ears. I think you'll agree that it is music worthy of the Blackfoot label.

"Vertical smiles" is the most radio friendly sounding album by southern rockers Blackfoot. It can't compete at all with the previous excellent "Siogo" (which also had a tendency to be more towards the commercial side than earlier albums). But as usual there are a couple of songs that are very good, especially "In for the kill". But the overall impression is that it's too slick and polished, and lack the edge Blackfoot showed on "Strikes" and "Marauder". If you're looking for a first taste of Blackfoot, I don't think "Vertical smiles" is the best album to get.

Most of this cd sounds like Blackfoot trying to do foreigner or something doesn't quite work, but it does have two really excellent songs on it young girl (I think one of their best songs) and summers days..the cover for morning dew is good too, but the rest of the cd just doesn't do much for me. Much better to have in print if there is something on here you like instead of paying a ridiculous price for a so, so cd