Well I managed to get my After Hours review finished, so here goes ...
In thinking about the After Hours album, I am reminded of something that the guys in the band always say that really rings true for me here. They always say when it’s all said and done, the Eagles’ huge and enduring success all comes down to one thing – it’s the songs.
So when I try to analyze how I feel about this album, I find that it boils down to that one thing for me – it’s the songs. Quite simply, this is my least favorite of all of Glenn’s solo albums because these are just not my types of songs. Now that doesn't mean that I don't think After Hours is a good album - as a matter of fact, I believe Glenn's renditions of most of these songs surpasses any other versions I've heard. There was a discussion recently in some other thread that mentioned ‘velvet throat’. To me, Glenn’s voice is the epitome of ‘velvet throat’ because of its plush silky smooth quality. But, as great as I think Glenn’s vocals are on this album, I just personally prefer the other style of material that he has written and recorded. My apologies to those who disagree, but that’s just the way I roll.
And now, here are the songs in the order that I like them using the same scale I always use in my reviews ...
I Love It (5)
The Shadow of Your Smile – I think I’m in the minority here, but this is my absolute favorite song on the album. As I’ve said before, everything about the song is so uber romantic and fits together so perfectly – the music, the lyrics, the melody, and the vocals … WOW! Just WOW! I have listened to just about every version of the song that is on YouTube and Glenn’s adaption is a cut above them all in my humble opinion. His irresistibly seductive voice is perfectly suited for this song, and the way he sings “a teardrop kissed your lips, and so did I” is nothing short of melt-worthy. And seeing him perform it live lifts it even a notch higher. It is simply exquisite.
After Hours – Whereas some rate this song as their favorite on this album, it is my second favorite, simply because it is so understated and doesn’t have the drama that TSOYS has. And I like drama in my songs.
To me, most of the songs that Glenn has written in his career stand up very well against the songs on this album, and this is certainly no exception. I agree with Soda that the lyrics portray very evocative imagery. I've said before that it speaks volumes to me about the quality of Glenn’s songwriting ability that his song is considered by many to be among the best up against these other classic standards. That is particularly true, considering that this song is far from being my favorite in his solo catalog.
Worried Mind – As many of you know, I'm not a big fan of country music, but I think this is a really good song. In addition, it is one of the standouts on the album for me partly because it differs from the other songs stylistically. As I’ve said before, the song has a great melody and I love Glenn's vocals of course, but it is actually the superb instrumentation that sells it for me. Michael Thompson has many very fine moments on the CD, but his piano solo in the bridge of this song is one of the highlights of the entire CD for me - it is simply outstanding. The fiddle and steel guitar are fantastic as well.
For Sentimental Reasons – This is another gorgeous romantic song. I love the beginning how there is almost no music and that velvet voice starts with that three-letter word “I love you …”. Again, of all the versions of the songs that I’ve heard, I prefer Glenn’s the best, both musically and vocally. As VA says, he stays true to the original song, but the way he emotes, he owns it. I wish he’d sing this song to me cause I’d definitely believe him.
I Like It a Lot (4)
I Wanna Be Around – I don’t have much to add to what others have said, but I like this song a lot too. I love Soda’s characterization as “smoothly sung snark”. I also really love Glenn’s vocal cadence in the song. And as FP mentioned, the ending is great. Unlike most of the other songs though, this isn’t my favorite rendition of the song. I prefer Eydie Gorme’s energetic jazzy interpretation that I saw on YouTube. I wish Glenn had kicked it up a notch and given the song a bit more attitude as Eydie did. Even at that, it’s still a really good song though.
It’s Too Soon to Know – This song has grown on me probably more than any others. At first, I wasn’t very fond of it at all, but, once again, Glenn nails it vocally. I really like the chorus’ – they are very melodic, but I’m not crazy about the bridge with the background singers. Even though that was a sign of the times back in the day, it kind of puts a damper on it for me and keeps me from loving the song.
Same Girl – This is the other song on the album that has really grown on me. However, unlike FP, I don’t think of joy when I hear the song. The best way I can describe it is ‘hauntingly beautiful’. I also can’t really agree with Soda about the lyrics not fitting. I think of the lyrics, melody, and music as all being ‘hauntingly beautiful, which is why I think the song is so well-constructed. This continuity is what helps give the song its emotion and energy for me. And Glenn’s vocals vs. Randy’s vocals – no comparison AFAIC.
Route 66 – I agree with others that I have never really loved this song. However, I also agree that Glenn’s is one of the best renditions I’ve heard. Like FP, I love his phraseology with the words. I rate it higher than I would normally because I do think that it standouts on the album since it is the only uptempo tune and because I appreciate the cultural significance of the song.
I Like It (3)
The Look of Love – My description of Same Girl above is almost the polar opposite of this song. I don’t like the construction of this song. I love the chorus, but don’t really care for the melody in the verses at all. I also love the romantic lyrics, but the upbeat tempo doesn’t seem to fit the same mood that the lyrics convey. The whole song just seems to be disjointed to me. Sorry VA – I know how much you love this song, but it just doesn’t move me in the same way as it does you. I do agree that Glenn does nail the vocals though.
Here's to Life – I’m afraid I have to agree with Soda about this song. It just doesn’t rock my world. I find it way too slow, melancholy, and mundane to be such a supposed celebration of life. I think I could deal with the slow tempo if there was a more of a steady build in intensity throughout the song à la The Shadow of Your Smile instead of saving it all for the end. Given the song’s shortcomings though, Glenn’s vocals are amazing and he does his best to bring energy to the song. I do melt into thin air when I hear the “to dreamers and their dreams” line, as I think of him singing that to me.
As FP and VA described, his vocal delivery is utterly perfect, exquisite, and any other similar adjective that you can come up with.
Caroline, No – It’s something about this song that just doesn’t grab me, and I’m not even sure I know what it is. I think it must be the falsetto or maybe the melody. I agree that with Soda that Glenn really sells the song and really throws himself into it. I think his vocals are great and his voice is very well-suited for the song. I also agree with FP that the music is beautifully arranged. But still – I’m not crazy about it even though I think I should be. Go figure ???
The Good Life – I’m really starting to repeat myself now. Again, great vocal, best version of the song I’ve heard, such passion. Still – the song just doesn’t do much for me.
My Buddy – I actually love the sentiment of this song. Other than that, see the comments above for The Good Life.
I'm Getting Old Before My Time (3) – Well I have to agree that the song’s lyric paint a picture, but not in a good way for me. I don’t like the image of old man Frey singing this song. I was about to say see the comments for The Good Life again, but I’ll use this space to summarize my feelings about this album. To me, many of these sound like the same song over and over – I just don’t think there is anything particularly unique or spectacular about them. I think I may prefer some of them better in isolation rather than listening to them all together because the stylistic differences between them are too subtle, not the blatant variety that I prefer.
And as a final side note, if Glenn wants to do another cover album of old standards, what about an album of Motown hits from his native hometown of Detroit? Now, that’s something I think I could get into if his rendition of My Girl is any indication. He could hit that out of the park, I’d bet.
5 - I love it
4 - I really like it
3 - I like it
2 - meh
1 – yikes
Re: Celebration of "After Hours"!
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Originally Posted by Ive always been a dreamer
