Customer Reviews

Voices of Babylon

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Voices Of Babylon is arguably the best overall
album by the vastly underrated
British power pop band,
The Outfield.
Always melodic in their approach,
these guys can both rock hard,
and sing up a storm in the process.
Tony Lewis' slicing tenor and rock-solid
basswork is complimented by
John Spink's flavorful, majestic,
arpeggio-filled guitar playing.
And ofcourse, these 2 pillars of the group
have voices that blend breathtakingly well together
to form numerous catchy, harmony-flavored hooks.
These guys also write some really good, melodic material.
The CD's title cut, as well as The Night Ain't Over,
and My Paradise are signature tracks.
But there are at least several other gems as well.
If British-flavored, rock-solid power pop with
great vocal hooks is your thing,
these guys deliver the goods.
And...If you haven't heard their music yet,
"Voices Of Babylon" would be a good place to start.

The Outfield remains one of the few '80s bands that managed to sound different. Probably why they weren't able to keep the momentum going vis-a-vis chart success. However, this album has some brilliant and diverse material, ranging from the catchy title track, to the anthem like My Paradise and other powerful songs like The Night ain't Over and Part of your Life. One track that stood out as an absolute departure from their original style is Reach Out. Surprisingly good pop/rock. Great underrated band that deserved more attention in its hey day. I believe they're coming back with a new album in the fall, and am looking forward to it. Never a dull moment with these guys.

This album by the Outfield is another strong effort. If Play Deep won with the drumming and Bangin won with the catchy choruses, then Voices of Babylon was heavy on the guitars. Lots of it all over the album. The title song, I always have the volume turned up, because the lead guitars are so very superb here. It made for a remarkable three minutes. I still don't get it why it peaked at No. 26 in the Hot 100 in 1989 because it really stood out during that period where they were still playing 1988 songs on the radio--the year was only three to four months old. This is a very strong album for them--crank the volume up to 10 when you get to play it on the stereo!

I've listened to The Outfield for many years, and I especially like "Voices of Babylon". Again, Tony Lewis and John Spinks shine on this disc. Tony Lewis is back with his multi-range vocals and superior bass, while John Spinks' guitar work is excellent as well. The title track is my favorite song, and "My Paradise" is a good up-beat song. The ballads "Part of Your Life" and "Shelter Me" are staples of this disc. This disc keeps up the tradition that The Outfield set with previous releases; an excellent mixture of vocals and insturmentals, especially Spinks' guitar. I highly recommend this disc. It's one you'll want to listen to several times.

As you have been able to tell by now, I am a big fan of The Outfield, as I have reviewed both "Play Deep" and "Bangin'". I am staunch in my support of this group becuse there are many people out there that probably haven't heard music by The Outfield, but would enjoy it if they did. "Voices of Babylon" is a tremendous piece of work. It is arguably the favorite of Outfield fans everywhere. My family and I went on vacation to the beach in the summer of 1989 not long after "Voices" was released. A family that we know went with us, and their son listened to Skid Row, Metallica, Def Leppard, and other bands of that nature. To get to the point of this story, after hearing this tape, he listened to it for the rest of the vacation, and upon returning home, he bought it, and it remained the only tape of its type in amongst the "metal" that occupied the rest of his tape case. "Reach Out" is a smooth, cool number that ranks as one of the best on the disc. "My Paradise" will make you look at your hometown in a whole new light, and "Part of Your Life" is another cool piece with an awesome solo in the middle by guitarist John Spinks. "No Point" is an energetic tune that will make you reach for the repeat button. The third time's a charm when the first two didn't work. But in the case of The Outfield, first, second, AND third are charms!!

I became an Outfield fan with Play Deep, then became even more excited about the ongoing progress of their songwriting and performing with Bangin. Both albums display tremendous songwriting and production consistency. They seemed to be riding an ever increasing wave of popularity on radio and in the press. Then comes the release of the sophistaced but very catchy Voices of Babylon. In my opinion, the whole dynamic surrounding the release and inadequate promotion of this album still remains one of the great mysteries in rock music.

The album and it's subsequent singles were almost non-existant on the radio. Yet, song for song this is the Outfield's strongest set to date. Beginning with the title song and first single release Voices of Babylon makes a statement of a band that is growing both musically and lyrically. Voices of Babylon should be re-visited be some band today; very thoughtful and provocative lyrics about how most societies self-implode through the decline of culture.....how true. "My Paradise", the second single from the album (you can see both videos on You Tube) follows with a scorching riff and chorus that you can't get out of your head.

I could go on reviewing this album song by song. However, my objective is to promote a band that deserved so much more attention than they ever received in America. Literally nearly every song on this album could have been a single or deserved radio airplay.

All great music stands the test of time because the songs are good. The Outfield deserve their place in the "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for Greatest Overlooked Bands" Do yourself a favor; if you like melodic power-pop don't leave this album out of your collection.

one of the few CDs of the past years that I can listen to from start to finish. The title track with it's beat and imagery hooks you then throws you into the head shaking friday night rock of "My Paradise". A great CD for a ride to the shore on a Friday evening!

"My Paradise" is a great song as well as all the others on this gritty album.

The Outfield shows their depth and diversity here as every song is excellent in its own unique way.

Just try to find it used somewhere. You can't.

The big question for Outfield fans. Voices of Babylon shows the emerging maturity of a band growing up. Play Deep is the essence of the Outfield sound. Power pop at its best with the emphasis on power. But don't ask me which one is best, I wouldn't want to be without either of them and you shouldn't also. Buy them both!

Listening to this album brings back good memories of High school.
The Outfield are GREAT! Give a listen.