ALBUM OF THE WEEK # 32 RICK SPRINGFIELD - VENUS IN OVERDRIVE (2008)

[RJhog (Admin)]

***click album cover to listen***

 

 1. What's Victoria's Secret? *

 2. I'll Miss That Someday *

 3. Venus In Overdrive *

 4. One Passenger *

 5. Oblivious *

 6. 3 Warning Shots *

 7. Time Stand Still *

 8. God Blinked (Swing It Sister)

 9. Mr. PC

10. She *

11. Nothing Is Ever Lost

12. Saint Sahara *

13. My Generation *Bonus Track

14. Jessie's Girl (Acoustic) *Bonus Track

 

This week I've got some Rick Springfield for you, his 2008 release Venus In Overdrive.  My personal opinion is that Rick Springfield is way, way underrated.  Possibly on of the most underrated of all time.  This release harkens back to some of his earlier material.  I immediately think of Jessie's Girl when I hear What's Victoria's Secret?  But it's not all just that early Springfield sound.   As a matter of fact, I think he touches on quite a few different genres (reggae, alternative rock) and I even hear some Rolling Stones (God Blinked) and some Beatles (She and Nothing Is Ever Lost) influence.  Saint Sahara even makes me think of Simon & Garfunkel (especially the backing vocals). 

 

Overall, I happen to think this is a very good release.  I actually like it better today than I did the last time I listened to it.  My initial opinion was that while the first half of the album was very good, the second half weighed it down a little.  But I listened to it today before I wrote this, and I want to add She and Saint Sahara to my list of songs that I like.  Also, the version I have has two bonus tracks.  The first is a cover of My Generation, and while not necessarily the greatest cover I've ever heard, it doesn't leave me feeling like it's a waste of my time to have heard it.  The other bonus track is an acoustic version of Jessie's girl.  Obviously, it's pretty hard to beat the original, but I could easily see this being the featured song in an acoustic set by him. 

 

The album is still quite easy to find, about 14 bucks new and about 4 bucks used from Amazon.  The album cover is typically RS, being basically a photo of himself.  If you had no Springfield in your collection and asked for a recommendation, this wouldn't necessarily where I would start you, but it's a fine release that any fan should own and I don't feel like it would make somebody on the fence dislike him.  Give it a listen and judge for yourself.

 

My Favorite Single: What's Victoria's Secret?

 

Hidden Gem Award: Tie between Venus In Overdrive and 3 Warning Shots

 

Most likely to skip: Mr. PC

[Jon]

You know, it's a decent album but kind of a letdown compared to his previous one which I absolutely love. When I first heard it, I was thinking "Really? Rick Springfield? Wow!"

 

Alas, alack and anon, nobody else heard what I was hearing when I played the album for them. Their loss.

 

Regardless, this is still a good album, just a bit of a letdown.

 

Nice pick Rjhog!

 

 

[RJhog (Admin)]

Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance...that's your preferred RS, right?  I actually remember that from CRR.  I'm a big enough RS fan to say that one will be AOTW one of these days.

[Jon]

Yep, that's the one!

[Scott]

Cool post, been waiting to hear this for quite awhile now...

Nice opening track, got that Jessies Girl vibe right away but with a modern flare and production!  Kinda get a feel for all of his styles!  The 'Celebrate Youth' style can be heard in the title track a bit as well.

Didn't really care for the slower tracks, and that God Blinked (Swing It Sister) track was a bit out of place... but the rest of the upbeat stuff is pretty cool (and I liked Mr PC it was alright)!

Loved this post!  Nice pick!

[Lance Hanna]

This album is pretty good. He has had some stuff in the past that I think he put out there half assed. This effort seems genuine and solid. I'm intrigued enough to check out his new biography and see what this guys been up to.

Good pick. Thanks for sharing.