Search - Boz Scaggs :: Other Roads

Howie W. (Otheriver)
Reviewed on 6/10/2015...

Look. I love Boz, but this album was ill advised 1980's shclock. Boz is much better doing his R&B thing with real live instruments as opposed to this synthesized mess. MTV did not do him any favors. Even his big hit period (see: Slow Dancer and Silk Degrees) is better than this. I actually prefer his first 4 albums (Boz Scaggs self titled Atlantic album through My Time) and starting again with his Virgin Records output. Maybe if you are like some people and this kind of 80s stuff tickles your fancy you might like it, but I would suggest you do not start here.

Too MANY "Other Roads"!

Greg McDowell | Tacoma,WA | 04/09/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"In 1976, "Silk Degrees" ruled the airwaves with good reason: Tight arrangements, smooth melodies, and one of the best jazz vocalists ever to grace the bay area! Flash to 1988, and this attempted "Comeback" album. The wondrous voice remains intact, the rest is missing in action. While several outstanding musical talents perform yeoman duties here - with Marcus Miller and Bobby Caldwell topping the list - most of the songs are forgettable, and the arangements often ovewhelm Boz's vocals. Two songs here save this from being a 1-star release: "Heart Of Mine" and "Cool Running." "Heart Of Mine" is the perfect accompanient for anyone walking along the waterfront while doing a post-mortem on a recently failed relationship. The melody is simple and wistful, the arrangement subdued. "Cool Running" is the polar opposite: an exhilirating blast of total attitude married to a note-perfect Marcus Miller bass line and arangement. I often wonder what a whole album of music this great would sound like, and if it could surpass "Silk Degres." Worth buying, but not NEARLY what this man is capable of!"

"Other Roads"

C. Nale | Willowbrook, IL | 08/03/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you are truly a fan of Boz Scaggs, you'll like this cd. I purchased it solely for "Heart of Mine," a song that I have loved since it first came out in the 80's, after seeing Boz's video for this hit. I admit I did not recognize the other song titles when I purchased the cd; however, I decided to take a chance on this one considering how much I like Boz's "Hits!" I was not disappointed in "Other Roads." It's kind of jazzy and is one of those cd's you can have on in the background while you're entertaining, cleaning the house, or just relaxing!"