Gilbert O' Sullivan - I'm a Writer, Not a Fighter

by Tommy Gunnarsson

published: 18 / 3 / 2012

Gilbert O' Sullivan - I'm a Writer, Not a Fighter

Label: Salvo Music
Format: CD

Lavishly presented reissue of Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O' Sullivan's 1973 third album, which, however, because of its use of synthesisers sounds more dated than his other earlier albums

Review

Following the success of his second album, 'Back to Front', Gilbert O’Sullivan decided to make a few changes to his musical recipe. The most notable of these changes is the use of electric keyboards, but also that the production feels more… how shall I put it… well, dated. It sounds a lot like many other 70's acts, and I suppose that the synthesisers are to blame for that. Not that Gilbert in any way wants to be like Kraftwerk, of course not. But the sublime keyboard sounds that is audible through-out the album contributes to this feeling. In my review of the aforementioned 'Back to Front' earlier this year, I wrote that the sound owed a lot to the 70s, and that there was nothing wrong with that. I still agree, but there are different kinds of 70's sounds, and this is not my favourite one. Having said that, there are still a lot of good songs on this third album, including the hit single 'Get Down'. Sadly, Gilbert also decided to abandon his tradition of introducing the album, and saying “welcome” to the listener. There is still a spoken-word opening track though… According to the sleeve notes of this lovely re-issue, this album is by many “aficionados” considered to be his most consistent and best album. Well, sorry, but I can’t agree with you there. I would guess that I will be listening a lot more to the first two albums in the future.

Track Listing:-

1 I'm A Writer, Not A Fighter
2 A Friend Of Mine
3 They've Only Themselves To Blame
4 Who Knows, Perhaps Maybe
5 Where Peaceful Waters Flow
6 Ooh Baby
7 I Have Never Loved You As Much As I Love You Today
8 Not In A Million Years
9 If You Love Me Like You Love Me
10 Get Down
11 A Very Extraordinary Sort Of Girl
12 Good Company
13 Why, Oh Why, Oh Why
14 You Don't Have To Tell Me