Reviews (page 4 of 7)
a very romantic feeling album. I love the synth. I don’t think soul pop is a genre that particularly grabs me, but there’s such an atmosphere to this one. it feels like a soundtrack. an album i feel like is good to know, but not one I will necessarily seek out again.
Steve Winwood represents much that I dislike in many ways musically - it's corny and cringe and sugary, but in a warm Pepsi left in the sun kind of way. However, I didn't entirely mind this record, which makes me hate it even more - it's complete an antithesis to my taste - but at the same time... I can see some songs in there and I kind of have to forgive it as it is quite earnest. Doesn't mean it's a great album - doesn't mean I want to listen to it again, but I can be neutral about it.
Hate to admit it but I'm a sucker for yacht rock, especially when there's a bunch of cheesy synth solos.
Definitely a sound I associate with a certain era.
Ok listen. Not a favorite but listenable.
First I was like "meh", but even though no single song was 100% I felt like the album itself had a nice vibe to it. But it kind of dissipated towards the end. Almost 4 stars.
Solid...I enjoy the sounds of SW. Would revisit as it gives me a few good songs to add to my 80s repertoire. 3.5/5
Very funky and groovy right from the opening seconds. I was immediately hit with "retro video game" vibes with the first track and was instantly entranced. I recently played Undertale, and can't help but see the commonalities. This album was definitely in my "sonic" rather than "lyric" category of why I enjoyed it so much, not that the lyrics were bad, but the sound of this album is what made me enjoy it so much. It was a great mix of electronic and analog instruments, at least to my ear, and I really loved it. Quintessentially 80s, for someone who wasn't there at least. I actually enjoyed the vocals too, which is often rare for me with male artists. This would be a 3.5 for me, which is exactly the proportion of songs I liked too (5/7 - for now at least). I should probably note my favourite track too, as hard as that can be - here it would be "Second-Hand Woman", just makes me want to groove and bop.
Steve Winwood is super talented and I like his music. This one is a little "slow" for me though. I like his "rockier" stuff.
Enjoyed my time with it, but its an early 80s sound that I just dont love as much as some others that sound like this. Still, an easy 3
Steve winwood went to grade school with Christine McVie
I love getting some yacht Rock but nothing stood out at all for me on this one
Whatever McForgettable Face
It's surprisingly nice, songs are very diverse throughout the entire album.
title track is real good. need to revisit
For all the nice orchestration it still sounds like lightweight jazz pop filler.
This is jammier than a good piece of toast. You can tell he’s on the way to the big hits with this one
Enjoyable listen, nothing stand out-ish but has a calm, Phil Collins vibe. It was an album I enjoyed finishing, and far from a task like others on this journey, but I wasn’t replaying songs. 6.5/10.
A lovely Pop record full with 80s vibes
I only really know Steve Winwood because of Higher Love and, while these were ok, none hit the same lofty heights as that absolute banger
Not bad Steve. Simpsons: No
This was an ok album, it wasn't anything to shout home about but it was easy to listen to
J'trouve qu'il y a pas mal trop de haters dans les commentaires pour un album aussi innocent que ça. Bah, c'est vrai qu'il y a pas grand chance que j'y retouche de ci-tôt, mais quand même, vous y allez fort
3.5
Two songs really stand out for me. Of course "While You See a Chance", which is a top five Winwood solo track for me, and "Slowdown Sundown" the rest is pretty typical, run of the mill, 80s MOR pop rock, and this for the most part doesn't really stand out from the pack than say, Christopher Cross' debut. I find it odd that this made it over Back In The High Life or Roll With It which were not only more popular, but overall better listens, or even Take Back The Night which has "Valery" probably my top pick of his solo songs. (As a whole, though, I'd lean more towards Roll With It) this is a fine album, but for this list a bit underwhelming (7.55) ★★★½
Very early 80s sounding. Strong voice, but a bit boring. 3 stars
"While You See a Chance" is great, but most of the rest veers too far into adult contemporary/sophistipop for me. 3 stars.
3.5
A little cheesy, but it has good synth parts at times. Pretty typical 80's music. Mid 3.
Not sure about this one. Per Yoda, difficult to see. I'm going with 3.
I guess this must have been quite the thing in 1980. Because I knew and loved Higher Ground in real time, that’s my threshold for SW - I guess I’m spoiled a little..
Classic winwood
Good cheese
the fact he played every instrument is insane. super cheesy in places but also super groovy
Listened Before?N Pretty impressive work of 80s pop - considering he played all instruments on the entire album. Cool stuff. Not really my style but neat anyway. Added to Library? N Songs added to playlist: While You See A Chance
Kind of fun but painfully dated
That was pretty much what I expected: well-produced, nauseatingly 80s, kind of lame. The one unexpected factor was that I kinda liked it. You do you Steve. Best song: Arc of a Diver
Its a good album but nothing great. He is just a really good musician that no matter what he records is just good.
If someone played me this and I didn't know better I'd say it was a bootleg recording of a wedding where the band didn't show up so one of the guests, Pete Townsend, got a casiotone from his car and played a bunch of corny love songs
Yacht rock that is pretty decent.
Fav: Spanish Dancer Least Fav: Slowdown Sundown I’m seeing some comparisons to Phil Collins, but come on guys this is better than any of his solo work
Very good
If cheesy yacht rock isn't cool, then I'll stay a dork. I think the title track is the best, but it's so impressive that he wrote, produced, and played everything. Pretty enjoyable overall.
Started out strong with While You See A Chance but then it fell off
i adore the cover of this album but there is an 80s schmaltz element to some of these songs that i don't love...
This album had some good elements that I enjoyed, especially the Synthpop influence, which gives it a mix of New Wave and Prog Rock while also feeling quite soulful. It’s impressive that Steve Winwood played all the instruments and produced the album himself. While I liked certain aspects, I don’t see myself going back to it often.
Bastante fun, como estar en una sitcom de los 80s.
I forgot how strong the opening track is both musically and lyrically, I really dig that song. While “Night Train” rolls on just a bit too long, the guitar work at the end is pretty decent. Sadly, the rest of the album falls flat and is largely forgettable. Props for being a true “solo album” as he wrote, produced, and played all the instruments himself.
Fine. Whatever.
Solid, first song is great 3.5
None of the content of these songs really reached me because the shell of genre ricochetted off of me first. Neither liked nor disliked. A perfectly pasteurized collection of songs. This is probably a 2.5 but I round up unless I'm actively pissed off at the album. (aside: I spelled ricochetted and pasteurized correctly on the first try. I would have bet money against that)
This was pleasant to listen to, although kind of bland as well. Classic 3 stars, didn’t make me annoyed enough to skip, but didn’t really catch my attention either.
***A good album.
Eee ovo isto slušamo na ploči, što je dosta kul 😊 slatki album, malo nostalgičan, malo 80s, malo ljubavni, svega ima. 3/5, 6.5/10
no strong feelings
nothing deep or challenging about this blue-eyed soul/yacht rock/pop/whatever album but nothing that i'm particularly mad about, other than all but one song being over 5 minutes long!!!! grrrrrr!!!!!!!! jk this album isn't even worth the effort of getting mad, it's just so milquetoast. favorites: while you see a chance, arc of a diver, night train
Liked this more than I thought I would! I feel it's a solid 3.5, pretty nice.
it was really well played. Singing style not what I am into but good none the less 3-3.5
I liked this album fine, especially the first couple tracks. But to me it was just a sort of cheesy distillation of a lot of stuff that already exists or that is just better. Phil Collins, Billy Joel, Huey Lewis, the list goes on of more interesting people in a similar genre. Some good songs and moments, but just fell short of what I'd want from this list.
Good, but not great or excellent. "Arc Of A Diver" starts really good but at some point it lose the direction, what makes with the musics looks forgettable. Still, Winwood are a great artist but thls album is not a great thing on his career.
Track 1 is really good. Synth sounds sound like something that would come on a very inexpensive toy keyboard. Some decent moments. Not a favorite. 2.5 rounded up because of track 1
very nice pace very chilled nice
The sort of album that you look back on affectionately because the songs are associated with an 80s movie you really like. Except, here there is no movie. And the album is left floundering in the sea of forgettable could-have-been-soundtracks. Basically this needed to be a soundtrack to make it better. But While You See a Chance is superb. And there's some decent passages here and there.
Some interesting chill yacht rock vibes here at first, but it all becomes quite sedentary quite quickly. 3.1/5
'Meh.
Steve Windwood songs are either Great!..or just meh. hit great tunes hit hard and this other stuff just melds together and sounds the same. This album has a like 2 great songs but overall i respect the man and his work.
I really wanted to like this more than I did. I don't mind the 80s production, and bits of it are excellent, but overall, it's just a bit average.
Own this.
nothing groundbreaking and pretty much predictable. (3.0/5.0)
Een heel sterk jaren '80 geluid. Het heeft iets van de Genesis-nummers van die tijd, maar dan veel minder krachtig. Goed uitgevoerd; het heeft zeker kwaliteit. Maar tegelijk heeft het niets waardoor je het nog eens wilt luisteren. Volgende week ben ik het plaatje wel weer vergeten, denk ik.
Steve Winwood is in principe een oude gitaarheld, zoals hij bijv speelde in Traffic en in Blind Faith, samen met Clapton. Maar dit zijn de 80s, heeft hij zijn gitaar ingeruild en probeert hij het liefst alle speeltjes uit de studio uit. Alle synthesizers komen zo ongeveer wel voorbij. Met het openingsnummer is wel gelijk het bekendste nummer geweest. Het kabbelt nog wel een beetje door met die typische jaren 80 uptempo muziek. Gelukkig is op de achtergrond nog wel het jazzy en bluesy basslijntje, wat me doet denken aan Steely Dan enzo. Daar was hij dan weer niet bij betrokken geloof ik. Ik vind het niet heel slecht of vervelend, maar de jaren 80 saus is er iets teveel overheen gegoten. Ik proef het hoofdgerecht nog maar amper. Als je het vergelijkt met de standaard 80s muziek, dan is dit wel iets muzikaler. Maar als ik het vergelijk met Trafic of Blind Faith, dan is dit me veel te jaren 80 neppigheid. Op het eind overheerst dat het gedrenkt is in de jaren 80 iets teveel, dus zit ik op een magere 3.
Not much to say about this one. It was fine, decent background music for a department store.
Steve Winwood really likes that synthesizer sound that he had on "While You See a Chance," doesn't he? It is very impressive that Winwood played all of these instruments himself. He's got talent, that's not ever been the question. While You See a Chance, Arc of a Diver, Slowdown-Sundown, Spanish Dancer and Night Train are all pretty good songs. Like many of Winwood's songs, and I include the big hits like Roll With It and Back in the High Life Again, they are just really too long. I'm not asking him to do a 2:30 second version of Night Train, but did it have to be almost 8 minutes long? I have no issues with longer songs but they need to justify their existence, and frankly, these songs are good but not good enough for extended jams. I understand with their being only 7 songs on the album then it would be at a 28 minute run time if some of the fat was cut...but is that a reason to extend them out? I say, "No." I am more prone to enjoying yacht rock than most people but I don't even know if I consider this to be yacht rock. Not too many yacht rock songs have Eric Clapton doing an extended guitar solo. I'm glad I listened to the album and I wish I could give it a 3.5.
Easy listening supreme. Nothing objectionable, yet nothing noteworthy.
It was my first time hearing this and I quite liked it, especially the Night Train. Great 80s vibes, nice mix of pop with progressive and really good synths. I’m not the biggest fan of this type of vocals though, sounds so typical for the era, just like Phil Collins or Peter Gabriel. Overall, a perfectly nice 80s album!
Night Train is a jam!
80s cheese in its purest form (is still 80s cheese).
I like the guy but there's something a bit plastic and cheesy about it which really turns me off.
I remember the eighties. There was; too much Lycra, too much fluoro, and too much electronic instruments.
Another album that took a few listens to appreciate 😂😅 I wouldn’t say that any tracks really pop out - maybe spanish dancer if I had to choose one, but I really found this to be easy to listen to and pretty entertaining Great vocals, fun percussion.
I’ve got a pretty big blind spot on anything related to Steve Winwood - have never intentionally listened to any of his solo stuff, Traffic, or Blind Faith. Sounds like an insanely talented dude. I poked around on a bit of his stuff with Clapton today - Blind Faith and a duo live recording - liked what I heard and might dig deeper on Winwood overall. As for this album, the first two songs were promising - especially love the hook on Arc. But everything after felt a little toothless, drowned in synth, and uninteresting drum tracks. Most of these songs could have been shorter without losing any musical substance. Yes, it’s impressive that Steve ripped every instrument on this album, but I also wonder if the songs would have had more life and direction if they were recorded by a band, and not just a lone wolf.
The opening track on this sounded like it could be an 80s TV show theme tune. It generally had a very 80s sound, quite catchy in places. I enjoyed Night Train
Easy listening boat songs. Album goes downhill after the first song. But there’s some pretty sick sax every now and then so +1 for that.
I’ve been pretty critical of albums that just mash the synth button because they can, I think it’s lazy and uninspired. This album has the opposite problem. This might have the coolest synth I’ve ever heard and he uses it so sparingly. If the coolest part of his sound didn’t feel like any after thought on so many of these songs I would have rated it higher - but I still really dig the sound.
Typical solo Steve Winwood effort. Nothing bad, nothing really stand-out. Pleasant. 3/5
I've never heard of Steve Winwood before but I really like his sound. The songs have a great rhythm that feels very 80s to me. A nice smooth listen through and through.
Didn't realize this album was a one man show. I like Steve Winwood, and I liked this. On vacation in Barbados, so I probably won't review for a while
Sterile pop music has no soul
This album has given me insight into what it was like to be a minorly successful actor living in Hollywood in the Eighties. Strutting down the Boulevard with my Walkman on, nothing can touch me. Honourable mentions: Night Train and Spanish Dancer
Heard that first song a billion times. Had no idea that was the title. Huh, who knew
could i write poetry to this? n
I can't believe I don't hate this. It's just so pleasant and inoffensive. Parts are reminiscent of Steely Dan, which should be a deal breaker for me, but never reached those irritating heights.
I was kinda digging it, felt the groove at times
Oh LiteFM flashback: age 6, sliding around in the back of a station wagon, tearing down the highway, on the way to the outlet mall, opening track turned up, followed by copious amounts of Neil Diamond and Johnny Mathis. The rest of this is fine. Well composed, but the instruments are too dated to enjoy. It’s not trash. Just can’t get into it.
I'm kind of impressed that he did all the instruments and vocals himself. But this isn't something I'd return to.
I honestly don’t have a whole lot to say about this album. It’s ok. This album is very 80s for only being made in 1980, haha. I think the album art is nice, it has this certain feel to it I like a little bit. Winwood does a good job on vocals, they really help bring the song to life. I think my favorite part of this album was the instrumental bits though. The performances, bass in particular were really nice. The intro to “While You See a Chance” has really nice synth work. However, a few of the songs were just meh and didn’t really do much for me. There’s still a few decent songs to be found. This was just okay, it was nice but not particularly special, to me at least.
Meh.
Good
Firmly in the meh section this one.
Album was okay. Nothing bad, but nothing that impressive either. 3/5 Probably won’t listen again
Though I grew up with Winwood, so know the music, it's a bit on the dull side for me. So, a standard 3. Ok to listen to, but I would not seek it out. And did I hear some funk in the bass on night train?
Very 80's, it is interesting how some music just oozes that time period and I would say this album does that. I liked Arch of a Diver and While You See a Chance. After a while though the 80s sounds just blended together and nothing seemed super special. Each song was also just a little long.
Really like While You See a Chance, such a good message that gives me the warm and fuzzies. The rest of the album was pleasant enough, and it's impressive he played all the instruments, but nothing really measured up to the first track. I did like Slowdown-Sundown. Hits tend to be hits for a reason, and that stands true with this one. But it was a nice listen!
There are some cool aspects of this album but overall it’s a little boring. Steve Winwood has a great sound and wonderful voice, but the album as a whole was not memorable.
It’s like it’s defining sonic landscape of the 80s with a small nod to dance music. Inoffensive.
A quintessentially 80s sound that doesn’t really progress too far past that decade. Not awful by any means, just a specific sound and not one I would really come back to.
It was OK, very Radio 2.
It's alright. Very 80's easy listening type stuff.
Favorite Track: While You See A Chance
I bought this album on CD at time of release but it was one which was sold a few years later. Sold because I soon tired of it and it was seldom played. I always thought Winwood’s albums of this period were light years away from his work with Traffic. Another album Back In The High Life suffered same fate. My perception was he was trying to appeal to the North American MOR radio friendly audience. This was OK at the time but it became that there too much of that stuff about. I still prefer his earlier Traffic work. The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is my highlight. Good to listen to this again and I wish I hadn’t been so judgemental in getting rid. Spanish Dancer in particular worth owning CD for and probably reason I bought the album. 3/5 18/9/24
Chill
3/5. There are some instrumental passages and riffs throughout the album but I wouldn't say any more than three songs stood out to me. It wasn't that the other ones were bad, just didn't provide an interesting enough sound to stay engaged. It is impressive he played all the instruments himself according to the internet but it can take away from the feeling without multiple instruments playing at the same time. Feels more robotic despite his soothing voice. Best Song: While You See A Chance, Night Train, Arc of a Diver
Cheesy but fun
Decent 80s soul pop
Solid 70s fusion record with the synthy keys and funky bass of the 80s.
a pretty nothing album. nothing here really stands out and the production here has aged pretty poorly - a lot of 80s music still sounds great, this... does not. i've never really understood the mass appeal of steve winwood and this just falls into that bucket. let me be clear, this is not bad. it's not unlistenable. i would even venture to say that some of the songs are a tiny bit catchy. it just sounds like you are in a dressing room, circa 1980. in the most unappealing way possible.
Just okay
The singles on this are timeless pop. The rest of the album is swirling yacht rock synths that sometimes miss the mark
would have probably been a really good album if it wasn’t for the shitty mixing
Rock ochentero melódico. Parecido a Phil Collins o Electric Light Orchestra
solid opener. good choice for the only single from the album. competency is unquestioned, but it's not terribly interesting. just above average at 3 stars.
Would prefer him to be a little more raw. Too polished for my liking.
3.5/5
Huh. I had no expectations and that was probably for the best. It was fine. I loved the use of synthesizers and electronic sounds. Some of it sounded like it belonged on a Super Nintendo game. It was honestly really cool. The music itself? Eh it was ok. I liked the individual parts more than the whole. Some of the lyrics were incredibly generic and nothing really shook me. Solid three stars. Not bad. Not great. I am whelmed. Standout Tracks: Second-Hand Woman, Spanish Dancer
Rock ochentero melódico. Parecido a Phil Collins o Electric Light Orchestra.
Pretty synthy, fun vocals
Interesting album, have some 8 bit thrown in there sounding like a Nintendo game. But the album was good
Another okay album. Sounds like the 80s, for sure. Steve Winwood has a good voice, but the music wasn’t engaging. It was pleasant to listen to. Good background noise or elevator music. Standouts: While You See A Chance and Second-Hand Woman.
No me dice mucho, un disco entretenido, con buenas canciones pero olvidables. No creo que seguiré escuchando sus otros proyectos. 6/10
This album has always been one that I wanted to listen to (I even have it on Vinyl) but have never sat down with. I like Steve Winwood though - all phases that I can think of. And I love the Cover Art. It was good. I liked it. Particularly the title track and "Spanish Dancer".
It's kinda lame but it's also kinda fun so there's that Wait hold up I just got to side 2 Nevermind it's just lame
Okay I see why this is here, it represents a genre well. I just don’t really enjoy it
3/5
Very 80s pop, very light, could definitely see it being played on a yacht. I kept thinking that this sounds boring, but I also liked it way more than I expected. Maybe I just liked that the songs evolved as they went, like Slowdown Sundown, which has a fun bridge. I also liked Second-Hand Woman and Arc of a Diver. Overall, a mid album that kept my attention throughout it's runtime.
Reminds me a bit of Elton John crossed with Bon Jovi. Warm, bluesy, and heavily keyboard-based songs, with the rock-husk vocal quality of ol' Jonny (and tons of other 70s and 80s stadium-rock singers). We see heavy use of synths in particular on the keyboard, though organs and pianos are also present. Knowing that Windwood played every instrument here makes the listening experience considerably different, as you struggle to comprehend how musicians are able to do this. It's pretty impressive. The reliance on synths is the album's downfall, though, because for all its success (particularly in the 80s), it makes the music sound pretty dated. And once you realise that, the miffed-ness you feel is unavoidable. (While You See A Chance is great, though, and I'm sure I recognise it from somewhere. It gives the album bonus points for familiarity.) 3/5 Key tracks: While You See A Chance, Spanish Dancer
6.5/10 strong start but a boring finish :((
Vajbade betydligt mer med vissa låtar än andra, men överlag trevligt. Sista låtarna var bäst bästa låt: spanish dancer asssså alriiiiiight vad hårt den gick
Very chill, would be good lounge music - especially Night Train. Enjoyed Spanish Dancer the most
This album in its entirety does not feel like an album that should be on this list. Sure Steve Winwood had a good career in groups and solo, but aside from "While You See Your Chance" is a great song and there are other good songs like "Spanish Dancer" and "Slowdown Sundown", it was not genre defining or groundbreaking. Still a good, easy listen...
5.5/10
ganz gut hörbar
Pretty much fully self-made albums are always impressive. And this one is no other. Great voice with original sound. 3.5/5.
It is an alright album, but not his best album. The best track is definitely "While You See a Chance". This is not the Steve Winwood album that deserves to be on the list. The album that deserves to be on the list is BACK IN THE HIGH LIFE AGAIN (1986). That was the album that sent tremors through the music industry, with many pop acts adopting the afro-carribbean vibes after that album became a smash hit.
I get that Winwood is a pretty talented musician and I really want to say something interesting about this album. But I was honestly kind if bored by a lot of it. When an artist tries to sound equally edgy and safe at the same time, it kind of doesn't sound like much of anything at all. While I appreciate some experimentation, it doesn't really suit Winwood in my opinion. But I did enjoy the more subtle tracks like 'Slowdown-Sundown' and 'Spanish Dancer' more than I expected. 'Night Train' also grew on me the second time around. Overall, it's fine and has some better moments, but nothing that memorable.
Steve is softer than soft with a predictable outcome: not too bad, not too good.
Catchy, a bit unambitious
Canciones fav: - Second-handwoman - Nigth train - Arc of a diver I mean it's alright... para nada memorable. Las reseñas taaaan malas me dicen que los rockeros/metachos puristas son unos aguafiestas porque esto está bien bailable
I see what‘s special here (thanks Wikipedia!) - he played all Instruments by himself and composed the songs which is always an interesting thing. The sound of this record is sometimes a bit boring to me (like the first track and actual hit of this lp) and some other times pretty cool! Reminds me of music by Phil Collins, Peter Gabriel etc. My favorite on this is Night Train
A pleasant listening experience.
Charcuterie at sea 🧀 🛥
I wasn't all that excited about this until I hit the sick 80's jam of Night Train. This is some boogie down busy guitar, rattle the keys groove. Steve Winwood has his place in the pantheon.
Like me some Steve. Pretty soft tunes but it’s got some really uplifting melodies.
Crazy that I’m even about to speak remotely positively about this album. Because I know myself well enough to know that a year and a half ago I would have probably absolutely hated this. But people change I guess. By all means is this very silly music. Totally borders on being apart of the group of below average 80’s music. But I think the year is very important. Because in 1980, things were still a bit relaxed, and hadn’t gone totally off the deep end yet. This doesn’t go as far as sounding like all of the vomit-inducing glitzy rock and pop music that would pop up in the mid-80s. Imagine a more fancy kind of yacht rock. Like a less jazzy and more synth based Steely Dan. And speaking of those synths, they go pretty crazy on this. They are what composes a lot of this album’s main instrumentation. And I can’t lie. Steve is fucking ripping it on those things. I’m such a sucker for a cool sounding and well written synth passage. This album is full of them. This also gives me Donkey Kong Country water level music vibes. And Steve himself has a nice voice. Maybe something that only fits this sound, but not a bad one either way. I also just learned my grandfather was a big fan of this guy, which automatically bumps this up a few points for me. Overall, this is okay. Nothing more, and nothing too special, but there is still enjoyment to be found. Rating: 5/10
01) While You See a Chance - 7,5 02) Arc of a Diver - 7,5 03) Second-Hand Woman - 7,0 04) Slowdown Sundown - 7,5 05) Spanish Dancer - 7,5 06) Night Train - 8,0 07) Dust - 7,0 TOTAL: 7,43 (74/100) Current ranking: 119/216 Pleasant pop from the eighties. Nothing too exciting but also nothing offensive. I don't know a single song from this album, but I see that Steve was more popular in the US than in Europe. I think "Night Train" is the best song on the album.
This was fine. A couple of good songs, lots of forgettable stuff. Nothing I'm going to rave about, but wouldn't turn it off, either.
OK as far as singer-songwriter music goes. Listenable, but also far from being great. It has some Phil Collins vibes, but not the same quality of songwriting. The synth sounds may have sounded futuristic in the early 80's, but sound very dated today.
Was just...not my jam. I can't quite pinpoint it.
not at all what i expected from steve winwood based on what i know about steve winwood, pleasantly surprised
First half: I like the sound and the overall vibes but for now it doesn't offer a diverse listening experience A good thing to point out is how even if the individual tracks carry the same sound each one feels like it could be enjoyed on it's own.
I lowkey was not paying enough attention after the first track but this was alright
Yeah, this is what Steve Winwood sounds like.
Jazzy, bluesy, and pop all sort of thrown into one... I liked this more than initially expected after listening to it a few times.
Straight 80s pop. Nothing very noteworthy. Campy
I really can't be mad at Steve Winwood, this just doesn't do it for me though.
It's OK, clearly 80s music from the birth of the decade. His voice, sometimes, a bit too much
...
I enjoyed it initially but then so aggressively 80s. I like the synth
Fantastic album, Winwood had one of the most distinctive sounds in the music industry and it remains unmistakable…. Solid album !
So I purchased "Arc Of A Diver" when it came out, as I always like Steve Winwood - and clearly this was a new direction for him entering the 1980's... Sure there are some less-than-inspiring efforts on the album, but there are a handful of tracks that are exceptional... Below are the best songs IMO, and again on 7-star scale... "While You See A Chance" - 5-stars out of 7... "Arc Of A Dive" - 6-stars out of 7... "Spanish Dancer" - 5-stars out of 7... "Night Train" - 5-stars out of 7... Love the album cover as well, but this is a really well-made album - and would probably give it a 3.50 if I could, so a solid 3 for me...
He’s a great musician, but his solo stuff is a bit…boring at times. Kinda of “adult contemporary,” I guess. I don’t love it, I don’t hate it. It’s good enough, I suppose.
3.5
This was not bad, more synthy than I expected.
Not bad, but not sure I would listen again.
I feel like this is the album that I've had the least to say about. It doesn't have a ton of cultural significance, but it's not too low to the point of there being no good argument for, at the very least, Steve Winwood himself having an album on here. His career has had some notable points. The album's sound is solid. It's very Steely Dan-esque in both the singing and sound. The writing is okay. Nothing about this album is groundbreaking, but the album is perfectly serviceable to the kinds of people that this kind of music appeals to. High 3/5.
It's a good, solid album from Steve Winwood.
Classic 80s sound. Cliche now but enjoyable.
Not bad, Average, middle of the road - 3 stars
A staple classic of that Island Records “Soft-Rock Sound” that Robert Palmer moulded out in the late 70’s, saying that, Robert Palmer ekes out Steve Winwood in terms of overall quality on this occasion.
It’s incredibly impressive that Steve Winwood played every instrument on this album himself (though no surprise as he was something of a teenage musical prodigy), and there are numerous moments that tend to stick in the brain after they’ve gone. But Arc of a Diver is somewhat unfocused and lacks a bit of oomph; Winwood’s best solo work was ahead of him.
É gostosinho mas não achei muito memorável
Took the Night Train listening to this.
Phil Collins?
A decent pop or easy listening album, but not my cup of tea
Average 80s synth soft rock. Nothing stood out. Talented dude to play all the instruments himself so I that as a reason for getting on the list. But wouldn't listen to it again.
winwood time. er het anschinend alli instrument gspielt uf dem. while you see a chance fangt sehr cool ah. schellechranz zücht irgendwenn afoch dure. de synth sound huere geil. arc of a diver findi etz weniger berauschend. aso isch cute aber meh. second hand woman isch chli en weirde titel. synth solo isch wieder preeeemium alte. jo d hook vom song isch nöd super aber wenner soliert isch recht geil. slowdown sundown sehr cute, bass isch cool. gfallt mer sehr. alte de afang vo night train figgt jo mol hert. bruudi isch da groovy. shit isch fire stefan gwünnigsholz. dust isch cute aber er isch wieder chli uf de cheesy siite ohni meeega spannend z sii. album wank zwüsched 3 und 4.
Why? Must listen? It’s a decent listen. And Winwood is a superb musician and excellent songwriter. ‘When you see a chance’ is great. But top 1000 album? No. 3.5 stars. It’s good. But not 1000 album good. Rounded down.
This is very much not my cuppa tea, but I didnt mind it. Dare I say it, I think I enjoyed it in parts. I cant even say why. The vocals are a bit dated and quite typical of that era. It’s quite MOR pop, and dated at that, but it was a relatively pleasant listen. Doubt id be back but didnt hate it.
Thought this was okay, it sounds quite dated in large parts but I did like Steve's voice. It's short enough that it didn't irk me but the album ends on the worst track.
If I asked you to describe the 80s on a base guitar, this album would be it. I've known the name Steve Winwood since forever. This is my first time actually listening to him. There was lots of different sounds to this. Great guitar. Fun Bass. And all around a decent lesson but a little dated
very fun !
Great album to listen to at work. Calming and relaxing
You can't help but feel like a guy who own's a boat. Going to go sport a pink button down and lace up my loafers today. It's shorts with belts weather!
Yeah, I remember this album. Heard it plenty in the way back when. It’s kinda boring music, but I’ll try again. Here goes! Wish me luck! Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Une voix qui m'évoque Phil Collins, du rock un peu relevé et funky
Gave me a reason to turn on Minecraft for a little bit.
Typical 1980s soft rock. Not bad, but not good. 2.5.
Not his best. Not terrible though
A little boring but ok.
Favourite Songs: "Slowdown-Sundown", "Night Train" It feels like a certain something is missing for me on most songs and it's probably a lack of distinction between verse/chorus or, in general, different parts of the song, despite ideas being explored. Notes: - "While You See A Chance" synth lead sounds just like "Valerie" - "Arc Of A Diver" funky - "Slowdown-Sundown" less energetic + mandolin + organ, change in the middle - "Night Train" Hooks me more
Pretty enjoyable album by an artist I didn't know well.
He is a talented musician but overall the album was a little too groovy for me.
This is like 80's in a bottle. Faves maybe Spanish Dancer and Night Train
My only point of reference for Steve Winwood is that It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia's Dennis Reynolds is a fan, and listening to this, I can definitely visualize Dennis doing the American Psycho bit with this album. 😆 Other than that, not a very exceptionable listen. Very dated synth sounds, and not much stood out really, although it didn't actively irritate. Fave track - "Night Train", let's say!
It's fine
Boh si
Winwood is quintessentially 80s: that blend of soft rock which isn’t quite pop, but also incorporates trance amounts of soul and jazz into it as well, while also somehow having almost entirely synthesized instruments. Overall consensus: meh.
This mostly ends up feeling kind of like a Kirkland brand Genesis or other synth heavy band. Still good! But not an original vibe or top name brand quality. Good, but doesn't blow me away.
Nice album
While You See a Chance- 2.7/5 Arc of a Diver- 3.7/5 Second-Hand Woman- 3.5/5 Slowdown Sundown- 3.4/5 Spanish Dancer- 3.6/5 Night Train- 3.2/5 Dust- 3/5 Total- 3.3/5
приятный, пыталась повысить до категории под него хорошо спится, но в целом эффекта не заметила
Alright, just wish it were heavier or more interesting I guess. Really liked the tone of the keys
3+
pretty good not amazing
Cool throwback. Sounds like a movie soundtrack
Catchy
funky 80s pop. good for background 3/5
Steve Winwood! Wait a second, this isn't at all like Back in the High Life or Roll with it. Or like any of his work with Clapton, Hendrix, or Traffic... So much synthesizer. 2.85 stars
Good singer, too much early 80's synthesizer. Overall, it's pretty OK.
Not really my sound
sounds somewhat dated but it is decently groovy
Not a real big fan of his solo stuff. Just not a fan of the style.
Another unintended (right?) coincidence reviewing this Steve Winwood a day after a Traffic record. Unfortunately, over ten years later, Arc Of A Diver doesn't age as well as Traffic's second album, with dated 80's electronic commercial pop. This is about as MOR, AOR it get and it did yield a hit and it was his breakthrough album as a solo artist. When, While You See A Chance was "topping" the charts I didn't care for the song. It opens with some cheesy synths and it's funny because listening to it now it feels nostalgic and so familiar, with it's catchy rhythms, surely signs I'm getting middle-aged and mellow, so I don't mind the song. The rest of the album is fine, though it's still not as good as (later period) Traffic, when their albums were a challenging listen.
6/10 Smooth and very layed back sound over classic 80s instrumentation.
For whatever reason this reminded me of 80’s and early 90’s sitcom music, maybe it was the midi they used I’m not sure. Overall I enjoyed it, easy listening. 3.1
He certainly has a recognizable sound and strong talent. His music is easy to listen to.
1/16/24. Pretty decent 80s style music with some jazz elements included. Will listen again, but enjoyed on the first run.
12/01/2023 Lentorrix. Está bien para música ambiente mientras se trabaja. la conocida: While you see a chance.
Just a nice synthy vibe from an incredibly talented musician - I mean just look at his session credits. Hadn’t listened to much of his work before. Side note - I met two of his kids and they were genuinely very nice people.
Ihan ok retro-poppia
Ei harmita ihan kamalasti tämän kuuntelu mutta ei myöskään sykähdytä.
wish it was a bit more jazzy and less rock-y. overall decent to good
This doesn't suck, but not something I'll ever run towards.
Rock ochentero un tanto tostón. Ni fu ni fa.
Love that synth brass sound to start. I couldn't immediately tell what year we were in from looking at the album cover, but this synth gave it away. Although to be honest, at the drum intro starting at 00:40 in the first song could totally be an indie band from today. The record had a couple of nice tracks on it but nothing that I really felt that blew me away. I'll definitely be giving it more listens though- I did like many of the parts and several of the songs had a cool laid back flow that I felt was really nice to listen to. The instrumentation in general is also just really fun.
Decent album, well written for sure, but some songs drag on. Wouldn't pick to listen normally, but it wasn't terrible. Fav track: Night Train
Best Song: Night Train. Groovy enough to make me want to work on a night train. Worst Song: Secondhand Woman. Weird lyrics, and despite my usual preferences, it feels like Winwood works better with more time to musically noodle, so this song actually feels too brief. Overall: This era of super slick, technically impressive rock often strikes me as somewhat soulless. I get that it's good, but it lacks some spark of originality or raw authenticity that makes it end up feeling somewhat robotic to me.
Very "80s solo album". It's not bad. A lot of enjoyable melodies and catchy lyrics. Doesn't really blow me away or anything.
Steve Winwood - Arc of a Diver (1979) WHAT I ENJOYED: a few new to me standouts - I liked "Slowdown-Sundown," especially. GRIPES: the synths on many tracks make it really *sound* like 1979 -- even if it was ahead of its time, it didn't age all that well imo RECCOMMENDED IF YOU LIKE: the Doobie Brothers, Steely Dan minus the funkier parts #359 revealed / #498 rated
Starts with a synthy squelch squelch squelch.
I don't remember hearing this artists name, but he songs are very familiar. Easy listening, but not exceptionally memorable.
its good, just not my thing
Ok album.
Wrapped in his cheesy duvet.
plunging into a warm slurry of casio yacht rock
This is pleasant enough, early 80’s pop, very synthesizer driven. Good to very good, but a little bit soul-less. I see that Winwood did everything here, writing, producing, engineering, all instruments. That, along w/ the synth emphasis, probably account for this. “While You See A Chance” was the big hit, which does suffer a bit from having been really overplayed. There’s some nice moments here, especially “Night Train”. But “Dust” found me checking to see how much was left…. That one is not worth the 6:20 devoted to it. Solid 3, but nowhere near a 4. I’d rather listen to anything from Traffic, Spencer Davis Group, or Even Blind Faith (Winwood’s earlier bands). 3/5
I thought it was pretty good! I liked Colorado and Johnny's Garden
High tier classic soft rock. Just a shame that I'm not a fan of soft rock :(
3.7
I usually find Steve Winwood albums somewhat uneven. Often there are some great, even iconic, songs mixed in with lesser material. Arc of a Diver is no different. That said, this was the album that breathed new life into his career, giving Winwood a major boost going into the 80s. While You See a Chance was a significant hit on both AM and FM radio at the time. I often heard it playing somewhere in my dorm during my early college years. The title track is another great song and major hit. More important, this set up a whole string of hit albums and songs including the song Valerie in 1982, his best album of the era, Back in the Highlife Again (1986), and the song and album Roll with It (1988). After that, he ran out of steam and became more of a cult figure with little mainstream impact. Maybe it was luck, or maybe it was the sound, but Arc of the Diver and Winwood's subsequent hits became staples of MTV during its heyday. So, even though Arc of a Diver is not spectacular, it had major impact on Winwood's career and the sound of the 80s
Chill, good music. 6/10
Very smooth and soulful vocals, catchy choruses, extremely well played. Interesting to compare with The Night Fly reviewed a few days ago, which is more interesting, but poorer vocals. Bridging a gap between soul/pop and prog. I’m sure Pink Floyd lifted Night Train for Run Like Hell!
Good album, synths, 80s vibe.
Very 80s synth pop - nice album
"Arc of a Diver" by Steve Winwood, released in 1980, is a smooth and introspective journey into the world of adult contemporary rock. The album's title track, "Arc of a Diver," is a standout with its dreamy atmosphere and Winwood's soulful vocals. The production is polished, characterized by lush instrumentation and well-crafted melodies. While it doesn't break new ground or match the commercial success of some of Winwood's earlier work, the album offers a mature and reflective listening experience. "Arc of a Diver" showcases Winwood's growth as an artist and a transition towards a more polished sound, earning it a solid 3/5 rating.
Okay album by Steve Winwood. Some nice guitar solos, rather average voice, a lot of 80s sounds in the background, which was very unnecessary. Good and solid record, but certainly not special in any way. Happy to move on.
Very 70s sounding with some Electronica thrown in. Not majorly my cup of tea but a few good songs. Had a kind of jazz feel to it, too.
surprisingly good.
There are better Steve Winwood albums
It's okay.
a bit too 70's
början på albumet är bra men sen blir det lite sämre mot slutet, så kanske en stark trea.
i thought i would like this album more than i did it was k
Good bones
Hard to argue with dat synth
Solid album. Reminds me of college. While they played the crap out of “While You See a Chance”, “Arc of a Diver” is the standout song to me. The album is remarkable, and that Steve Winwood plays almost all the instruments.
This album is a nice, easy listen but in many ways dated. I cringe when I hear these fake pan flute synths.
Some nice, consistent, and extremely 80's tunes. Easy to listen to but didn't really make me feel much of anything. It just felt like they could've been a little catchier or something
Starts of strong with some awesome synths, but loses steam after only 3 songs for me. Decent album.
2.9 meh I wouldn't listen to it as a full album again, but some songs slay. fave songs: second-hand woman, spanish dancer, night train
very similar to Peter Gabriel
"Arc of a Diver" is the second album by English singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Steve Winwood. Winwood played all the instruments and produced the album. Soft-rock and blue-eyed soul. Yes, definitely. Critics had mixed reviews with the positive being him playing everything and distancing himself from his former acts with the negative being, well, kind of boring. Yes, definitely twice. The album was Winwood's breakthrough reaching #3 in the US and #13 in the UK. A synth and organ open the uplifting "While You See a Chance." Add a piano and we got the melody. Drums and congas on the beat. Easy listening. Don't let something pass you by and find romance. "Arc of a Diver" adds a guitar and bass. Smooth and more jazzy. Arc is the women and he is the diver. Clever analogy. Besides the first two songs "Slowdown Sundown" is the probably the best of the remaining songs. A slow beat. Winwood puts in just about everything in his musical arsenal. Piano. Acoustic guitar. An organ giving it some soul. A synth solo jam. Beat changes. "Dust" closes the album. A synth-driven song. Sort of sad with emotional vocals. He sleeps with her sometimes, still loves her but the dust still collects. I always put solo Steve Winwood in the OK category. This album maybe slightly above that. Maybe. Half of the songs didn't due anything to me sounding very late 70's/early 80's and not in a good way....synth-driven, sleek, soft pop/rock. Yuck! Age has not faired well. Some of these songs just plain sucked and didn't get better with repeated listens., But, the first two songs and singles are decent and in my opinion the only reason to buy/listen to this album.
This was everywhere back in the day.
Great band but no certified bangers
IMHO this is the overproduced period of classic rock. Winwood is talented but I'd rather listen to Blind Faith any day.
Might actually be ok,but very similar to Clapton and more
Not really my bag. Songs were ok, but nothing that really grabbed me much
I love Winwood's use of the synthesizer
I liked it, I’m not too crazy about the pop rock kind of sound, but I do like Winwood’s voice.
this might be the cheesiest 80s album i’ve ever heard.
pretty decent
Fine, reminds me of Phil Collins.
Cat: Man, I love Steve Winwoods voice! Not all of these songs hit for me.
Rating: 6/10 Best songs: Arc of a diver
Decent but hardly groundbreaking.
Enjoyable. I like the voice and the general sound.
A fun album full of guitar and synth, pretty enjoyable.
The first track on this is such a quintessential 80s television theme song... a period piece for sure and a little EZ for my tastes, but I didn't dislike it.
Was this a Genesis album in disguise?
Nice to hear a bit of 60s rocker become an 80s proggie/poppie dude. I loved the first song, the rest were okay.
I can appreciate a good pop song, so I didn’t mind this. I can’t be certain that I needed to hear it before I die, though. Oh well, it’s a done deal now.
Solid chill music with nice guitar work.
Not bad! A few times I thought I was listening to Phil Collins or Genesis.
“When you see a chance” is obviously a classic. The rest of the album, it was fine and we’ll crafted, but left me wondering what gave of admission to this list. 3.4/5
N'ayant aucun souvenir de ce que nous a proposé ce monsieur, j'ai remonté la conversation que j'entretiens avec eltrapeze dans le but de retrouver un indice. Bien que ce dernier ne tarit pas d'éloges sur cet album, j'ai quant à moi gardé le silence sur mon ressenti et ai partagé des captures d'écran de ce qui allait devenir l'affaire Gomez.
not bad
Good ol' classic 80s soft rock. I'd never heard this one before but found it pleasant enough with some songs I plan to revisit, particularly the opening and closing tracks. 3/5.
This was nice! Reminds me a bit of Phil Collins somehow. Probably won't see myself returning to this as the songs didn't quite stick with me. Still, it was hard to decide whether it gets a strong 3 or a weak 4, but I think I'd like it to be something I would at least consider coming back to and having some songs stick with me for it to be a 4, so 3 it is!
6/10. Enjoyable enough.
First two songs are excellent, then it kind of trails off, although Night Train and Dust end it with a strong finish. Overall this grew on me, but the highest I’d go is probably 3.5. Steve Winwood’s career is still awe inspiring though, looking forward to the other albums on this list that he was involved in.
Kinda nice