Cutting Crew: Add To Favourites

I have to say it has been a while since I have heard the English band Cutting Crew. The band formed in 1985 by guitarist and lead vocalist Nick van Eede and released their debut album Broadcast in 1986. The hit single "(I Just) Died In Your Arm Tonight" rose to the top of the charts and the band was all the rage. Then record label issues, tragedy and a revolving door of band members halted the band's momentum and they never quite hit the mark like they did on their debut. Nick has had subsequent success as a songwriter working with the likes of Marillion, Pixie and Cher. It has been ten years since the band's last record but here they are in 2016 with the release of Add To Favourites in the fall of 2015, the band's fifth album to date.

Eede and his band have put together a fine rock/pop album tinged with blues, soul, jazz and country flavourings. The album opening "Till The Money Run$ Out" is perhaps the catchiest song flirting with that 'California' sound by way of The Eagles or Jackson Browne. Folky guitar and Hammond adds to the warm pop sound. "Looking For A Friend", a tribute to fellow band member Kevin MacMichael and Eede's younger brother is a soulful country blues offering with a snappy groove and slightly funky guitar while "Berlin In Winter" has a darker feel with lovely piano coursing through its veins and a fabulous lead vocal from Eede. The horn intro in the bluesy "Keep On Loving You" has a soulful vibe and the background Hammond and pretty piano along with some cutting blues guitar makes for another slice of ear friendly tunnage. Folk and country combine in the earthy "San Ferian", another lilting ballad whereas "Already Gone" reminds me of a countrified version of Simon and Garfunkel, particularly in Eede's lead vocals. The country tinged piano led ballad "As Far As I Can See" is one of the more poignant offerings. The lead guitar solo from Gareth Moulton absolutely soars. At the five minute mark the mood changes and a salsa inflected groove ensues. The album ends with the heartfelt (She Just Happened To Be) Beautiful", a lovely country/folk acoustic ballad.

While Add To Favourites might not appeal to the general prog rock audience, it's a well produced and exquisitely performed album of tender ballads and tasty melodies. Nick van Eede's songwriting really shines on this one.

Released on Flynn Records.

Track Listing:
1. Till The Money Run$ Out
2. Looking For A Friend
3. Berlin In Winter
4. Kept On Loving You
5. San Ferian
6. Already Gone
7. As Far As I Can See
8. Biggest Mistake Of My Life
9. Only For You
10. (She Just Happened To Be) Beautiful

Added: January 21st 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band's Official Site
Hits: 2027
Language: english

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