Search - Gerry Rafferty :: On a Wing & a Prayer

Another classy release

Brett Simpson | Auckland, New Zealand | 01/25/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This isn't quite the equal of Rafferty's previous album - 'North and South', but it's pretty close. Gone are the lengthy instrumental introductions that characterised that album, which makes for a more instantly accessible album, although it compensates by being much darker in tone, for this, folks, is Rafferty's divorce album. (In that wonderful sub-genre it's only real rival for title of 'best-ever' is Paul Simon's 'Hearts And Bones')



Virtually all of the songs deal with the feelings of loss and betrayal that accompany most such proceedings, and Gerry is alternatively regretful ('I Could Be Wrong', 'Love and Affection'), reflective ('It's Easy To Talk', 'Hang On') angry (the cover of 'Get out Of My Life Woman') and downright bitter ('Does He Know What He's Taken On?') before pulling himself out of his despair and promising to move forward in 'Life Goes On'. Later albums reveal him to be happier than ever, the knowledge of which makes this an easier album to listen to than it might have been otherwise. In any case it won't fail to move you, and his gifts for melody and lyricism are capable of carrying just about any subject he cares to tackle.



I find it difficult to be critical of any non-compilation by Rafferty, but this one has to rank up there with his very best. Don't miss it for anything."