Travers' previous album "Radio Active" failed to reach the American top 40 and therefore his label Polygram wanted to release him from his contract. According to his contract Travers owed Polygram yet another album and he was determined to fulfill his commitment. "Black Pearl" was the outcome and the lack of label interest explains why "Black Pearl" is released on CD for the first time ever 16 years later.
Released in 1982 "Black Pearl" sees Travers expanding his band with a keyboardist and songs like album opener
I La La La Love You is marked by the new age sound that dominated the early eighties.
"Black Pearl" is often characterized as a forgotten gem by Travers fans. The album is a bit confusing with reggae, blues and unfortunately lots of synthesizer. Travers usually comes up with a few good bouncing riffs and it's certainly much welcomed on
I'd Rather See You Dead, which
is album highlight along with
Can't Stop the Heartaches and
Rockin'. Those tracks are the most guitar-oriented, but in general "Black Pearl" is characterized by too much keyboard and too little guitar.
"Hot Shot" was Travers' chance to bounce back to former strength. Released in 1984 it was a return to the Blues Rock that helped cement his reputation. "Hot Shot" is permeated by Travers' distinctive playing wrapped up in radio friendly sound with
Women on the Edge of Love and
Killer as stand out tracks. The packaging is great with an extensive booklet with liner notes by Classic Rock's Dave Ling.
"Black Pearl" was a bumpy ride, but "Hot Shot" is a return to the "Crash and Burn" vein with Travers' melody strung together with blistering guitar histrionics. "Black Pearl" is appealing because of being issued on CD for the first time. "Hot Shot" is interesting because it was the last studio album of the Eighties for the Canadian guitar maestro - unfortunately the album failed to succeed, but that doesn't make it bad.
Ratings:Black Pearl: 5/10
Hot shot: 7/10
Written by
Michael Sunday, May 31, 2009
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