Venus In Overdrive" is Simply Awesome! AA++
After having listened to this disc at least 20 times since it's release; I can simply say it gets better w/ every play. This record catches Springfield stepping outside the box and at his best in 20 years. This collection has two "Springfield Radio Ready" tracks,("Victoria's Secret" & "I'll Miss That Someday") while the majority of the tracks explore different sounds and textures he hasn't explored before.
What's different? This time he is writing w/ his longtime touring bass player; Matt Maisonette who also shares production credit with Springfield on the album.
The songs explore a more mature side of Springfield dressed in very modern landscape. The song "Oblivious" is inspired by the death of Maisonette's mother and "Saint Sahara" is a touching ode written for a young fan who's battle with cancer took her life last year. These songs have a very reflective mood and also great chorus' with rock in' guitars and big vocals. Springfield voice has worn well with time. He is still able to sing his ass off!
"Mr. PC" rocks as hard as any recent Green Day-Wheezier track and is convincing. The chorus is so catchy & Foo Futures; it has you beating on the steering wheel at the red light and singing the infectious chorus "on & on & on you go". It rocks hard & has you hitting repeat after 1 play.
"She" is one of the best pop rock songs I've heard since the 2007 release of Jason Faulkner's "I'm O.K.,You're O.K." This song hints to Beatles arrangements and undertones of Jellyfish. The songs don't sound like Springfield but they are. At 58; Springfield shows just how relevant he still is after nearly 40 years in the business.
"Victoria's Secret"; the first single; is reminiscent of the "Jessie's Girl" riff but stands on it's own with a powerful chorus that has you singing "VS" in shower after subjected to it's irresistible hook. Like most singles, this is by no means the best the set has to offer. Songs like "One Passenger" and "I'll Miss That Someday" are deep reflective songs about the journeys of love and life. Springfield doesn't seem to be angry anymore. He seems to have a sense of hope for the future. All songs are passionately driven, executed with loud guitars, big drums, bass and incredibly arranged vocals and harmonies.
There isn't a bad track in the bunch. Buy with confidence! You might find yourself revisiting 'Working Class Dog" and reminding ourselves just how great of a writer and 'ROCKER" he is. I would recommend 'Venus In Overdrive" to all Fire Ape fans or any one who likes catchy loud pop rock!
P.S. Real men listen to Rick Springfield!!!
Frank Royster/Fire Apes
