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 Throwback Album to the Classic Steve Winwood Style Mar 08, 2009
From 1986 to 1988, Steve Winwood rode a wave of popularity and critical acclaim. The wave began with the release of 1986's "Back in the High Life" - which proved to be both a commercial and critical success. The wave continued with the release of his popular 1987 greatest hits' album, "Chronicles" - and then spilled over into 1988 with his follow-up album "Roll With It". In 1990, Winwood would release an album that I considered a masterpiece - "Refugees of the Heart". However for some reason, the public did not embrace this album and it found its way to the CD bargain bins due to poor sales. From "Refugees" up until 2008, Winwood would not enjoy the same level of success that he did during the 1986-1988 period. In 2003, Winwood would bounce back with "About Time" - a Latin infused album that gave Winwood a bit of a bounce back. However it would be five years later that Winwood would have his biggest success since that 1986-1988 period. Sure, he got a boost from guest guitarist Eric Clapton, but this album is pure Winwood. It proves that Winwood still hasn't lost his touch . The release of "Nine Lives" would not only generate commercial sales, but in my opinion should have seriously garnered Winwood consideration for 2008 Album of the Year.
The one thing I truly liked about "Nine Lives" is that it is a throwback to Classic Rock and Winwood's early solo career and Traffic days.. Better yet, it proves that Classic Rock has not died. Much of the credit goes to the outstanding guitar (with some help from Clapton) and bass work that just has the feel and elements of Classic Rock. Combined that with some trademark Winwood Hammond Organ and some of the leftover Latin/Jazz infused work from his previous album it blends to make another Winwood masterpiece. While many may not consider the Latin/Jazz infusion to be a Classic Rock, I disagree - namely because of the way Winwood incorporates the Hammond Organ and guitars into many of the songs, it will have a Classic Rock feel.
The title "Nine Lives" takes on two meanings - this is Winwood's ninth solo album and there are also nine songs on the album. Here is a song by song synopsis of this collection.
"I'm Not Drowning": One of the big complaints I have about today's Rock is the overuse of the acoustic guitar. Yes this guitar uses the acoustic guitar, but it combines very well with some bass and unique percussion. In a lot of ways the percussion is acoustic - but overall the music blends perfectly. This song will soon catch on you quickly. One other point this is a true "solo" song by Winwood as he plays all of the instruments
"Fly": This is the longest song on the collection all of collection clocking in at 7:48. This song has a near 1 1/2 minute instrumental to open up the song. Some great use of the saxophone and whistles on this song. This song probably doesn't resemble a classic rock song too much, but it's still very good.
"Raging Sea": I love the way the bass sets the tempo on this song - it almost a funk sound to it. This song sounds a lot like Winwood did early in his career. Nice use of the Hammond Organ on this one.
"Dirty City": This song is not only a great song, but it was one that really merited serious consideration for 2008 Record of the Year. This is just a good bluesy guitar/Classic Rock (this is where Clapton makes his guest appearance) sounding song. Great use of the Hammond Organ and percussion again. Winwood's vocals are perfect for this song as well. This song basically gives a clinic on instrumentation. Shame on the Grammys for ignoring this track.
"We're All Looking": This song doesn't have much of a guitar influence as the Hammond Organ is going to take center-stage. This song also shows some of the "carry over" of the Latin influence from Winwood's previous album - "About Time".
"Hungry Man": This song also shows some Latin (to some extent a Latin Jazz) influences and Hammond organ. I found this song to be another throwback song to Winwood's earlier solo days. I also found this song to be a very catchy one.
"Secrets": This song also follows the Latin-infusion heard on the previous song. This song also had some great guitar work combined with the Hammond Organ. The highlight of this song is going to be the incorporation of some Flute work. The result also sounds like a throwback Winwood song.
"At Times We Do Forget": This song also has more use of the Hammond Organ combined with some more Flute stuff. This song didn't quite have as much of Latin feel, but it still very much had a Jazz infusion.
"Other Shore": I found this to be a very smooth and mellow sound. More use of the Flute and Saxophone on this track. This was a very nice way to end the album.
The liner notes include the lyrics to all of the songs as well as musician credits. Overall, this is one of the highlight albums of 2008. I'm completely astonished than when Album of the Year nominations were handed out - that this album did not make this list. Overall this is one that I would highly recommend.
0 of 5 found the following review helpful:
 Nine Lives Feb 25, 2009
Steve Winwood has some good riffs in this album. Only problem is he does those riffs over and over and over and over. This CD shows the downward spiral of a great talent. Too bad. Don't waste your money.
 A bit surprised Feb 12, 2009
When I purchased this CD, and I read others reviews, I kinda expected a CD with powerful lyrics and beat. After listening, I almost feel some of you are trumping up this to make yourselves and your opinions look bigger than life. I expected something closer to the thump of the "Roll With It" CD. Nope, it doesn't get there. This did not satisfy my need to "feel" Winwood at his best. Seeing him live, or buying the "Crossroads 2007" and enjoying his interactions with the likes of Clapton, et. al, will just have to do.
smooth, bluesy, jazzy Feb 10, 2009
I agree with the other reviews that state that this cd reminds them of Winwood's early days. Although some songs do seem a bit repetitious, each is enjoyable in it's own way. Winwood's voice seems deeper and raspier but I think is an improvement. If you are a Winwood fan you won't be disappointed in your purchase.
 Roots-Driven Winwood Jan 25, 2009
All Steve Winwood's various musical guises throughout his career exude something in common -- good musical taste. Nine Lives finds him in "roots" mode with mostly stripped-down exercises in blues, funk, jazz, and R&B -- most seemingly driven by Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Winwood the tunesmith is variable here; but the always soulful, enunciation-challenged voice and tasteful musicianship are still compelling. While not necessarily emulating it, the vibe is closer to late Traffic than anything he's released since going solo for good way back in 1980 -- and no synths, yea! The urban-tinged "Dirty City" features the inimitable guitar backing of old Blind Faith bandmate Eric Clapton. Fans should enjoy this album, though it makes no obvious pretensions of appealing to the Top 40 crowd.
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