Customer Reviews

Walk on Water

5 star:		(71)
4 star:		(17)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

After years of fragmentation UFO finally got Michael Schenker to return to the group in 1994. The result was WALK ON WATER, one of the finest UFO albums ever recorded. The album picks right up where the classic LIGHTS OUT line-up left off in 1979. "Self Made Man" and "Darker Days" both feature crunchy heavy riffs and "dark" melodies, and are classic UFO songs. "Pushed To The Limit" is a top-notch uptempo rocker with a driving beat. The rest of the album is spectacular Hard Rock with a lot of melody. Often laced with acoustic guitar for texture, songs like "Stopped By A Bullet," "Venus," "Knock, Knock," and "Running On Empty" show a more mature version of UFO that still rocks. In fact, that is what makes this album so special; the band treats the listener with respect and doesn't just put out a "paint by numbers" Hard Rock album. WALK ON WATER is a must for any UFO fan, and should be in the collection of any fan of 1970's & 1980's Hard Rock. \ (If you like this album I also HIGHLY recommend Deep Purple's PURPENDICULAR!)

Walk on Water is, as other reviewers have noted, the "dream team" of Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, Michael Schenker, Pete Way and Paul Raymond -- the classic UFO line-up from the '70s that produced all the catchy FM radio staples.

On this, a reunion album after many, many years apart, the UFO boys rock like never before, adding an updated, gritty yet crisp sound to their guitars. From the opening riff of "A Self Made Man" right through to the updated covers of their classic tunes "Doctor, Doctor" and "Lights Out," Walk on Water is a joy to behold. And, believe me, I behold it often while I'm working.

Phil Mogg's vocals are still unique and very good. He still has the range and style he did two decades ago. That, in itself, is amazing.

Schenker's playing is every bit as "guitar-god" as it used to be. Perhaps more flamboyant than on the classic old UFO albums (but, of course, his ego has swelled to dirigible proportions since then), yet it's still UFO-like and fits well with Mogg's vocal style.

Although there isn't a song on this album I don't like, and some I like very, very much, there is one song that really pushes all my buttons: "Venus," track two. There's something about that bouncy, catchy song that makes it one of my favorite tracks EVER by any band. I can push "Repeat" and listen to that one track all day long at the office.

Although most of the classic UFO line-up would return for Covenant (minus Andy Parker and Paul Raymond), released in 2000, this album is by far the more enjoyable of their two latest. Perhaps it's because on Walk on Water is the classic UFO line-up. That's a large part of it, for sure. But the songs are simply better on Water. And the guitar sound is more prominent and punchy. Covenant has a muddy sound by comparison. (I'm listening to Covenant while I'm writing the Walk on Water review and nothing on Covenant grips me like what's on Walk on Water.)

If you're already a UFO fan, you probably already have Walk on Water. If you're not a UFO fan, but you're a fan of melodic hard rock played by a magical line-up of musicians, you should buy Walk on Water immediately.

I guarantee you'll be hooked from the opening riff. And you'll thank me profusely for "Venus," one of the best songs I've ever heard in my life.

Now, what would be REALLY nice is if the guys in UFO would stop fighting with each other long enough to tour the States. I'd love to see these guys live. (Hey, Schenker! You're good, but you're not THAT good. Try to get along with your band mates, eh?)

The album opens with a destructive guitar chord in a song with a melodic bridge and chorus, and a creative guitar solo, so we have no doubt that this is UFO in their best shape. Paul Raymond sounds like Jon Lord in the semi-acoustical "Venus". The good 4th track is a country rock in Garth Brooks style. "Darker Days"chorus reminds the best songs of the band in the 70s. Michael Schenker plays electric guitar solo during almost the whole "Running on Empty", but surprises us with an acoustic guitar solo in the middle. "Dreaming of Summer" is as wonderful as the melodic UFO masterpieces like "Love to Love". The new version of the two greatest hits are a gift to the fans - they`re slightly and smartly different, so fans will not be shocked with too many changes but will have refreshed versions of the songs they love. Only UFO can alternate from heavy to acoustic in the same song so beautifully. We hope this dream team will last for many more CDs like this.

It's unbelieveable, but after almost 20 years apart, UFO's best line-up is together again and putting out material that seems as though no time at all has passed since OBSESSION came out. This line-up also was responsible for LIGHTS OUT. With WALK ON WATER these five musicians can add another solid performance to their resume. The band, for those of you less familiar with these rock giants from the '70's are Phil Mogg[vocals], Michael Schenker[guitars], Pete Way[bass], Andy Parker[drums], and Paul Raymond[guitars/keyboards].

This is one of those finds that helps brighten my day. Not even knowing these guys were back together I ran across this release and pretty much had to have it. The songs and musicianship are superb! I don't know if they had saved up material, or, magic just happened when they started this project. I don't want to label this as a more mature UFO, but the songs seem to reflect a lifestyle and matters that would be on the mind of someone in their 30's and 40's. That shouldn't scare you younger listeners away, though! The talent these five display is as good as any of their younger rivals, except even more refined.

I have to admit, I wondered why they would remake two of their classics["Doctor, Doctor" & "Lights Out"], but the versions here are exceptional. It's like looking at an old friend in a new way. As far as the new material goes, there are no songs to make you yawn when you listen. In fact, the material is as good as any I have ever heard the band perform! My favorites from the new stuff are "A Self Made Man", "Pushed to the Limit", "Running on Empty", and my favorites "Darker Days" and "Knock, Knock". The price on this outstanding set makes it an even better buy, so, whether you like UFO, Waysted, MSG, or just great hard rock, WALK ON WATER is the newest miracle from these amazing veteran rockers. This is one of those definite breaths of fresh air that will bring extra light into your day or night.

I've NEVER heard a reunion album as good as this one. Upon first listen, I was immediately smitten, and I'm forced to admit that it ranks right up there with their very best stuff. In fact, at times I believe THIS album is my favorite by UFO. Tight performance, ultra-clean, razor-sharp recording, and best of all, every single song is top-notch. This Eagle Records import release not only includes the newer versions of "Doctor, Doctor" and "Lights Out" that every version of "Walk On Water" contained (which are phenomenal updated recordings), but ALSO includes three ADDITIONAL bonus tracks: "Fortune Town" by Mogg and Way, "I Will Be There" by the Michael Schenker Group, and "Public Enemy #1" by the Paul Raymond Project. All three of those bonus tracks fit right in here and round out this album nicely. This is the definitive version of this now-classic album. If you like rock, you absolutely cannot go wrong by picking this CD up. I'm overjoyed to own it. This band is in top form here. They've outdone themselves.

Yes, this was the first album with Michael Schenker back in the fold. This is an excellent album with great songs and playing throughout. Self Made Man, Venus, Pushed To The Limit, Darker Days and Knock Knock are all pure UFO. The "new" versions of Doctor Doctor and Lights Out are fine, but not really anything new since any fan has heard anywhere from 3 to 5 versions minimum from the different live releases. The additional songs from Mogg/Way, MSG are very solid. the Mogg/Way album Chocolate Box and MSG album Written In The Sand are very good. The Paul Raymond Project song Public Enemy #1 is probably the weakest on this album.
Overall, this is a great album - one of UFO's best. Definitely buy this album if you are a fan of UFO or great rock n roll in general.

This is Ufo's "comeback album" -95 (their best/famous members, M.Schenker etc.).
Good purchase.(this release contains 3 bonus track)
Tracks are very good, bears comparison with their best works.
Booklet is as poor as possible.

While I am a relatively newcomer to UFO after recently purchasing Strangers, I can honestly recommend this CD to any hard rock fan. I have been listening to this fairly steadily over the past few months, and I LOVE IT! The songs are great, you simply do not hear rock played like this anymore. Venus is a standout, but the other songs are almost just as good. I am a 40ish rock fan, and this album is a breath of fresh air. Its heavy, but its GOOOD!

Listen up you rock fans, this is close to metal, but it has melody and great lyrics. PLUS a up front in you face guitar (Schenker) that really carries this CD. Straight forward hard rock. Yes, man.

U.F.O. at their best..... Are you kidding me? they sound better than they did in the late 70's. I did'nt think that was possible. This entire C.D. kicks ... from start to finish and the second track "VENUS" is absolutely PHENOMENAL! What a ROCKER! Considering the current state of rock music......These guys can still teach a thing or two to every wannabe act out there. Congratulations to the band for hanging in there for 30 years and still BRINGING IT!!! ROCK ON FOREVER!!!!!

I've been listening to rock and roll for forty years. I've heard it all. I started listening to these guys when I was in law school in the '70s and they've always been great. I have just about everything they've ever done. When I heard "Venus" on the radio, I knew I had to get this, even though I'm somewhat skeptical of reunion things. But, wow....This thing just totally blew me away. "Darker Days" is one of the best overall rockers of all time. Every cut is absolutely incredible and the first seven tracks are probably the best seven tracks in a row on any album ever produced. I could have done without the re-mixes of "Doctor Doctor" and "Lights Out in London" since they take away from the first seven tracks. Michael Schenker is not just in top form, but shows that he is right up there with any of the great "axemen." The solo and outro in "Darker Days" is spine-tingling and you just want it to keep going. This album is a must buy.