Customer Reviews

On a Wing & Prayer

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This isn't quite the equal of Rafferty's previous album - 'North and South', but it's pretty close. Gone are the lengthy instrumental introductions that characterised that album, which makes for a more instantly accessible album, although it compensates by being much darker in tone, for this, folks, is Rafferty's divorce album. (In that wonderful sub-genre it's only real rival for title of 'best-ever' is Paul Simon's 'Hearts And Bones')

Virtually all of the songs deal with the feelings of loss and betrayal that accompany most such proceedings, and Gerry is alternatively regretful ('I Could Be Wrong', 'Love and Affection'), reflective ('It's Easy To Talk', 'Hang On') angry (the cover of 'Get out Of My Life Woman') and downright bitter ('Does He Know What He's Taken On?') before pulling himself out of his despair and promising to move forward in 'Life Goes On'. Later albums reveal him to be happier than ever, the knowledge of which makes this an easier album to listen to than it might have been otherwise. In any case it won't fail to move you, and his gifts for melody and lyricism are capable of carrying just about any subject he cares to tackle.

I find it difficult to be critical of any non-compilation by Rafferty, but this one has to rank up there with his very best. Don't miss it for anything.

Here is another excellent effort from Rafferty. Polished witty pop at it's finest. This album has more songs on the "mellow" side than upbeat, as opposed to his last work, "North and South", but the songs I enjoy most, I can't get enough of. Like many of Rafferty's best albums, you love 90 percent of the songs and the other 10 are just a bit different than your usual taste...but that's what makes Rafferty such a unique artist. Best songs: "Time's Caught Up On You", "Does He Know What He's Taken On", and "I See Red", the latter co-written by brother Jim.

In his first release of the decade, GR is in fine form vocally. The first track, "Time's Caught Up On You" is a nice opener that has the typical Rafferty groove fans have come to love. Other stand-outs include "The Light Of Love" and "Don't Speak Of My Heart." This recording is probably his best work in the past 20 years, with the exception being the "City To City" album that spauned two major hits, "Baker Street" and "Right Down The Line." You won't be disappointed with this one.

Although not as good as the preceding "North and South," "Prayer" is yet another solid work with the typical Raffery touches. Not every track is highly inspired, but even a simple melody as "I Could Be Wrong" is a winner with a bridge that is so very Rafferty-esque. Jim Rafferty also contributes with the wonderful--and verbally obscure--"I See Red." Great work.

Few artists have the Depth and songwriting skill as Gerry Rafferty. Sooths and saturates the Heart and Mind with quality sounds that reflect what is purposeful in life and love. "On a Wing & a Prayer" delivers what is expected and then some from Gerry. "The Light of Love" is a captivating instrumental and Lyricaly strong song that I consider a True Ballad to the Core. "Love and Affection" is much the same. The Back Ground string arrangment on these two songs delight me as I sit back entranced with how it affects me emotionaly. "I See Red" is another favorite. Covered very well by "Clannad", I may not fully understand The lyrics to this song, but that is exactly what keeps me coming back to all of Gerrys songs. Like a missing peice to a story, you will find if you collect all of Gerrys Music as I have, It all fits so perfectly. Each Cd blends into one another and sets its timelesness into play. Other Favorites on this CD are, "I Could Be Wrong","It's Easy to Talk". I will not catagorize Gerry. He Obviously Stands alone in my book and Highly Underrated as an artist and a Talent that Must be heard by all who Cherish Singer Songwriters. So go ahead and Buy this Cd. You have come this far to Read about him, but to fully know what I am talking about, Buy all of his music that you can. Other Cd Must haves from Gerry are "City to City", "North and South" and "Over My Head". If you Loved "Baker Street" and "Right Down the Line", Trust me, Gerry is No Two Hit Wonder. As with most artists, Most of their best songs are Not songs you would hear on the Radio.

I have listened to this album a half dozen times and there is just nothing here that matches anything on "Sleepwalking" or "North and South". Too many of the songs are simply overproduced. And after listening to this album again, I can't for the life of me remember the tunes from any of the songs. The one exception is "Don't Speak of My Heart". But again, this barely makes an impression. Too bad. Now that's he's gone, we'll never have a chance to hear anything new from a great songwriter and singer. So, instead of buying this grade "C" album, put on "City to City" or "Sleepwalking" or "North and South" (my personal favorite as a solid album of Rafferty songs) and hear the man at his best. RIP, Gerry, and thanks for the tunes.

This Great cd Release of Gerry's is just Another Great Rafferty Release, and the song I See Red was written by his Brother Jim Rafferty, who did that song as a Single, but Good luck in trying to Find his Version of that one. Jim has two Great Solo Lp Albums that You might find at Gemm, or the first album on Ebay. The Song Bishops Mountain Alone is worth the price of that Lp, as well as Piece Of Mind, and Don't Talk Back. His other Rare Album called Solid Logic is Tougher to Find with the Great Classic Underwood Lane, and Any Port In A Storm, are well Worth the Price of that Rare Lp. Jim has a Real Classic Single that can be found called the Boogie Man. That one is a Real eary song, but Great Non the less.There is Real Talent in the Rafferty Family, and this On A Wing And A Prayer is no Exception, so Grab it and listen to Another Rafferty Classic.

Gerry Rafferty has recorded some beautiful songs. This album is very good; perhaps not as good as some in the past but you know that you are going to get a good album at the least, if not great, from this wonderful musician.

There's some really good stuff on this CD from singer/ songwriter Rafferty. There are times when I am reminded of his hits from the 70's while listening to "The Light of Love." This CD is packed with beautiful harmonies and awesome instrtumental riffs and Gerry sounds fresh and alive on pick hits "Get Out Of My Life Woman" and "Don't Give Up On Me." This one's definitely worth listening to .... several times!

Another fine album by Gerry. Alot of fine tracks including Don't Give up on Me, The Light of love, Its Easy to talk, and Times Caught up on you. Those songs alone are worth the money.