Album
AFTER FOUR ALBUMS there was a strong feeling that Angel were building towards some sort of creative crescendo. Of course, they had already moved through a fledgling progressive rock stage, working towards a more accessible style, perfectly framed by their previous album, ‘White Hot’. The focus was now on pure pop metal, the band crafting exquisite melodic hard rock with riffs and hooks to die for. They were also defining their image, as the ‘Sinful’ the album sleeve showcased the band with perfectly coiffed hair and in stunning all white superhero style outfits. It was an angelic sight to behold. Issued in 1978, recorded in Los Angeles and produced once again by Eddie Leonetti (Legs Diamond, Moxy, Rex) the record packs an impressive sonic punch, easily outpacing their previous works and positioning the band as potential superstars. In a bizarre move, the record was originally titled ‘Bad Publicity’ and had a suitably debauched album sleeve that was in complete contrast to their previous image. At the 11th hour after an intervention from the label boss at Casablanca this sleeve was abandoned, although several thousand copies were printed and ready to ship to stores. That sleeve has been included in this re-issue. Musically, the album contained some of the band’s most identifiable tracks, songs such as ‘Don’t Take Your Love’, ‘Waited A Long Time’ and ‘L.A. Lady’. Sadly the big breakthrough failed to materialise, leaving both band and label mystified as to their lack of progress. Musically however it was a triumph of enormous significance and is often hailed as the pinnacle of their creative achievements.
SPECIAL DELUXE COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Fully Remastered Audio, 2 Bonus tracks, 16 page full colour booklet, 3,500 word essay, new liner notes by Angel expert Dave Reynolds and enhanced artwork.
TRACK LISTING: 1. DON’T TAKE YOUR LOVE 2. L.A. LADY 3. JUST CAN’T TAKE IT 4. YOU CAN’T BUY LOVE 5. BAD TIME 6. WAITED A LONG TIME 7. I’LL BRING THE WHOLE WORLD TO YOUR DOOR 8. I’LL NEVER FALL IN LOVE AGAIN 9. WILD AND HOT 10. LOVERS LIVE ON BONUS TRACKS 11. VIRGINIA (Foxes Soundtrack) 12. WALK AWAY RENEE
(Price £13.99)
