Search - Burt Bacharach :: Futures

Melancholy Moods and Intricate Rhythms

Brennan Young | Copenhagen, Denmark | 09/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This lesser known collection is the first Bacharach album recorded after Burt and Hal David 'split', but does feature two David lyrics. A range of other notable lyricists are represented (Norman Gimbel, Neil Simon and James Kavanaugh).Now that so many of Burt Bacharach's solo albums seem like collections of pop standards, 'Futures' has more conceptual unity, and looks forward to the melancholia which was brought to flower decades later with Elvis Costello on 'Painted from Memory'. Many of the lyrics deal with bitter heartache, frustration and wistful introspection, matched by harmonies and rhythms that have fewer of the hooks and aural sweeteners we might have expected from Burt. Even with the rich orchestration and careful use of rock textures, this is powerful mood music for quiet contemplation.The disc does has some joyful romance and engaging up beat moments; 'When You Bring Your Sweet Love to Me' stands out, vividly evoking hollywood seen from the hills at night; but the highlight for me is the funky instrumental title track which has all the delicate qualities of some of Bacharach's most fascinating rhythmic experiments (like 'Pacific Coast Highway', or 'Freefall').This album will be mostly of interest to Bacharach's keener fans, who will certainly be fascinated to hear this darker moment in his career captured. It's a mature set of songs, which like all of Bacharach's studio work, repay close listening, but not a good buy for those who want a collection of 60's chart toppers."

Stunning and Original

R. Stephen Browning | Palm Desert, CA | 12/08/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I am so thrilled to find a CD remastering of this incredible 1977 release. So many people only know Mr. Bacharach's big hits, but beneath all that are a slew of unbelievably beautiful recordings that are absolutely stunning, haunting and sophisticated. GO...NOW...BUY!!"

Finally

Lovblad | Geneva, Switzerland | 07/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Splendid! I remember buying this record in the 80's in the soundtrack section of Coop City. This was one discovery. It is a sonic masterpiece. While in many ways it is very different from the 60's Bacharach stuff we are all used to, it is still uniquely-sounding in many many ways. Principally the playing is wonderful and the arrangements are beautiful. This really comes across in the instrumental Futures. OK this CD is really somewhat pricey but worth it!"