Thin lizzy rocks again
B. E Jackson | Pennsylvania | 11/24/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Pretty much the ultimate example of Thin Lizzy's genius is THIS album, because it covers so much variety and talent from the band.
You have the bluesy, funky rock of "Mama Nature Said", the cool funky beats and SMOKIN' guitar playin' of "The Hero and the Madman", and even more funkiness and blues with "Slow Blues". However, those are NOT your typical blues and funky kind of songs- these are creative in a way that make them distinct to Thin Lizzy's style. NOT ordinary songs!
"The Rocker" has some magnificent guitar playing at the end, "Gonna Creep Up on You" reminds me of an energetic pop band such as Sweet or Slade, and "A Song for While I'm Away" just has a very pretty melody.
Let's buy this great album, though personally, the first two Thin Lizzy albums are my favorite. I recommend the debut album first because there's something REALLY special about that one! Must be the diversity and creativity. However, this is one fantastic album too."
Great Album
Ian Wiseman | 05/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I love Thin Lizzy I was introduced to them through jailbreak and since then i just can't get enough I have Fighting Nightlife Johnny The Fox, Live and Dangerous, Bad Reputation and Shades of A Blue Orphanage, Vagabonds features Eric Bell Sole guitarist but he does this record justice plenty of great tunes Whisky in the Jar, Vagabonds, and Little Girl In Bloom (my personal Fav) The Harmonies Are Top Notch as for Phil's Ear For Melody And Lyrics that are Heartfelt but The Riffs are classic,and the songs are timeless"
The End of the Early Lizzy Era
freedom78 | Indiana | 02/07/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Their last album as a trio, and before the twin guitar attack was born, Vagabonds of the Western World finds Thin Lizzy going for a harder edged sound, immediately noticeable on the twangy blues rock of "Mama Nature Said." "The Hero and the Madman" follows, and is a very unique track that reminds one of cliffhanger dependent television series, and balances a funky, subdued rock n' roll with a creative vocal approach on the story told by the lyrics.
These two hard rockers set the stage for "Slow Blues," which (as the title suggests) slows things down a bit, with some funky guitar and soulful singing, before "The Rocker" picks it back up (Oh, how I do love rock songs ABOUT rockin'!). This is really a great track, and probably the album highlight.
Traditional Irish song "Whisky in the Jar" makes an appearance, given a more rockin' treatment by Lizzy, with some strong guitar work that makes it an easy favorite, and the album closes on a very cool, bluesy number "Broken Dreams," that is yet another highlight.
Overall, it's a strong album that showcases Lizzy's ability to really rock out in a period before their sound became solidified. Good stuff!"