release date: Sep. 2, 1977
format: cd
[album rate: 3,5 / 5] [3,52]
producer: Tony Visconti
label:Vertigo Records - nationality: Ireland
Track highlights: 1. "Soldier of Fortune" (3,5 / 5) - 3. "Opium Trail" (3 / 5) - 4. "Southbound" (5 / 5) - 5. "Dancing in the Moonlight (It's Caught Me in Its Spotlight)" (4 / 5) - 6. "Killer Without a Cause" (3 / 5) - 7. "Downtown Sundown" - 8. "That Woman's Gonna Break Your Heart"
8th studio album by Thin Lizzy following the uneven Johnny the Fox. The album is the last to feature guitarist Brian Robertson who is only credited on three tracks (#3, #6, #8 due to conflicts within the band about musical direction) - at the time of the release Robertson was no longer an official member, which is suggested by the album cover. It's the first collaboration work with already legendary producer Tony Visconti, which I think, may be felt as there's a fine instrumental balance throughout the album. Apparently, the band had been through a phase disputing about musical directions, which seems quite natural as Lynott and Downey and been through some stylistic changes, and with Gorham and Robertson the band had pursued a more 'hard rock' style compared to their early albums. Also, some of Lynott's best songwriting is seen in his slower and more ballad-like compositions, which was a bit of a contrast to much of the band's new style.
The album may not be as strong or consistent as Jailbreak, but it contains some really fine songs, including "Southbound", a song I consider the band's best song ever, and it's certainly a improvement compared to Johnny the Fox.
[ allmusic.com 4,5 / 5 stars ]
