Kicking things off is the timeless pub-rock anthem Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again. Vivid and poetic lyrics are an Angels trademark, and here they combine perfectly with a simple, catchy chorus. Of the two versions on this compilation, the opening track is a bit dulled, partly due to a dirty sound with lots of feedback. My preference is the "Original Single" version (the final track), thanks to a crisper sound and a more frenetic feel. Also, the opening riff is also a great addition. It is the icing on the cake for a fantastic pop song.
Comin' Down sounds to me like a poor cousin of an AC/DC song. The musical ideas are pretty bland, and they are flogged to death. The verdict for Can't Shake It is very similar, although the song has potential. If the bass guitar sound was bigger, I think I would like it.
Thankfully, it's back to their trademark angry rock'n'roll brilliance with I Ain't The One. It closely follows the formula of most of their hit singles, but there's no point trying to mess with perfection!
After The Rain keeps things fresh, thanks to its solid slow-burn rock style. The ideas are all quite simple, but well executed. Marseilles is similar, although not quite as catchy. No Exit is another, and features a great singalong chorus. In all three, the craggly voice is unusual for this style, so it makes for a unique highlight.
On the other hand, the ballad Love Takes Care is simply awkward. Clearly their style isn't suited to getting in touch with one's softer side! Be With You is a much more coherent effort. Regardless, both ballads are worthwhile for bringing some variety to the album.
Take A Long Line is wall-to-wall brilliance, from the first note of the pulsing bassline. The crunchy guitars over the top work a treat, as does the simple yet infectious chorus. But distinguishing it for the thousands of other headbanging rock tunes is the fantastic imagery of the lyrics. The tale of the underdog getting the last laugh shines through with lines such as:
Pulled out his teeth and told him to grin
He gave them a smile, pulled out a bottle of wine
And said "I never existed, you've been wasting your time"
Out Of The Blue is very aptly named. Compared with the rest of the album, it sounds like something from another planet! Very strange, but I do appreciate the variety. The chorus sounds to me a lot like "Wild Thing". Also, I'm always up for a bit of organ, so that adds a nice element for a novelty song.
Finally, The Angels making a disco song?! Yes! I really dig Open That Door. The gravelly lyrics make for a wonderful contrast with the saccharine musical style.
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