Robin Trower - In the Line of Fire

Robin Trower started out as the guitarist for Procol Harum. He then went on to a highly successful solo career, issuing numerous high charting albums in the 70's & 80's. In The Line Of Fire hit the charts in 1990 and has been out of print on CD for years. Wounded Bird. 2004. Album Description

In the Line of Fire

Robin Trower's thirteenth studio album doesn't ever reach the heights that he's capable of achieving. Most of the album is average but with enough weak moments to lessen its impact overall. The album didn't crack into any of Billboard's charts. The lack of James Dewar (bass & vocals) has seem to have a detrimental effect in the direction Trower has gone.

The album opens with "Sea of Love" which isn't a bad choice to open the album. It's an up tempo song with Trower giving a good account of himself. Next is "Under the Gun" which is slower but undistinguished. Both of these songs have been influenced by some techno-pop from the eighties. "Turn Up the Volume" is slightly more familiar territory for Trower; it's a little more rock but still has the eighties influence. After two albums with Pattison, this being the third, it's still strange to hear the background vocals on a Trower album. "Natural Fact" has somewhat of a funky tone in its mix with Trower giving us a good lead. "Natural Fact" is a little more like the classic Trower of the seventies. "If You Really Want to Find Love" is a slow tempo song that has a good melody. This is the type of song that Trower does some of his best leads & he doesn't disappoint us though he never stretches out on it. "Ev'rybody's Watching You Now" has Trower playing a crunchy rhythm & a good riff; Robin never ceases to amaze me with his guitar virtuosity. This song harkens back to his days in the seventies in the way that he layers the guitar tracks. Next is "Isn't It Time", a song that was originally written & recorded by the Babys, it never sounds like a Trower song & shouldn't be here. "(I Would) Still Be Here for You" is the first song that has a blues feel to it but its chorus is taken straight out of a previous Trower song on an earlier album. Robin really gives some sizzling leads on this track. "All That I Want" slows down the tempo & demands a little more listening. This is one song where keyboards don't sound out of place, they actually do enhance the song. Trower, as always, gives a shiny performance in his slow tempo songs. Dave Bronze, who played bass on previous albums, co-wrote this track which makes me think it was a leftover from previous releases. "Let's Turn This Fight into a Brawl" is a song that doesn't live up to its title. The album closes with "Climb Above the Rooftops" which is about as good as anything on it though it's not very impressive.

Robin Trower has sorely missed the assistance of James Dewar. There had been times when Trower brought in another bassist while still retaining Dewar on vocals. I now sense that Dewar had a major influence on Trower's musical choices & directions. Trower is still one of rock's lead players, his chops are still there; what he's truly lacking is the kind of collaborator he had in James Dewar. It's sad to see one of rock's greatest guitarists lose his focus like Trower has. It's not always about sales though Trower hasn't sold a lot in recent years, perhaps a return to his seventies roots would garner him more attention. August 26, 2008

Forgotten album

I am a long time Trower fan and somehow I didn't remember this album when I saw it on Amazon. When I listened to it I recalled most of the songs. I find it strange that this was not in my CD collection nor in my recollection. Having gotten reacquainted with the album, I have to say it is not one of my fav Trower albums. Certainly not his best with Davey Pattison. I think Davey works great with Trower but this album is the weakest of the lot in my opinion. However, track #9 is a great tune. Also I must say that in spite of the fact that the songs are not his best (again IMHO), the lead solos and guitar playing in general rocks! After reading a recent Trower interview, I believe this album was released during an era when the record company was pushing Trower to write music that had wide commercial appeal. I doubt Trower considers this one of his better works. Nevertheless, there are good tunes on the CD and I don't regret buying it. June 19, 2008

Better than Passion,

I love this CD. Pattison is a great vocalist. Buy it and you will like every track. December 10, 2007

The Best Blues after BB,

I just learned of Robin after seeing his name on some CD's he produced for Bryan Ferry, Whom I love! Robin has been my brothers
favorite for years but I never listen to his music, for many years
I could of enjoyed this fantastic artist's music, I have a lot of
catching up to do!!!! August 22, 2005

What if you had never heard of Robin Trower ?

This is a fine release.

It's not a sellout.
It's not a copout.

It IS a stellar guitarist of the 1st order on his musical quest.

This has excellent songs, in a modern format.

Sure, the guitarwork is present.

Davey Pattison is the best vocalist for Trower, this side of James Dewar (now deceased).

Glen Letsch is on bass. So the bass is brighter, then the older material.

This release has some great songs : Climb Above the Rooftops, Turn the Volume Up, which rock in the best, Trower style.
The beautiful , slow, If You Really Want To Find The Love, gives us the very soulful side of Trower's music.

Jimi Hendrix had more commonality, then sounds with Robin.
Hendrix felt that many fans stopped evolving past Foxey Lady.

Robin Trower has fans who never crossed - The Bridge Of Sighs.

July 31, 2005

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