Rating: 9 out of 10
After the success of Centerfield, the music world eagerly awaited a follow-up record, but when this came out, most critics blasted it, and it sold very poorly. Before acquiring the album, I was very apprehensive due to the scathing reviews. However, one person (whose name I can't remember) said Eye of the Zombie was very refreshing and better than Centerfield (A vs. A-)! I wondered who I would agree with, and I'm in the minority - although the ratings are equal, I think Eye of the Zombie is slightly superior. I feel it is also a very un-Creedece sounding album, except for "Change In the Weather" which reminds me of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine". Another difference from the other solo records - he has a backup band and other vocalists this time! I have to wonder if the lukewarm reception to this fine recording and Fantasy's lawsuits caused John Fogerty to become disenchanted once again with the music business. Hopefully, his album due out this year will prove well worth the wait.
Goin' Back Home (3:32) - This instrumental was the only song on the album performed solely by John Fogerty. I don't think there was much point in including it, though - the slow keyboard sounds for two minutes are soothing, but boring! The searing guitar notes during the second half are the definite highlight.
Eye of the Zombie (4:19) - Spooky lyrics and thundering bass define the title track. The scorching guitar licks and Fogerty's raspy voice are standouts as always. However, the "cowbell" music break is pointless, and the fade-off too routine.
Headlines (4:28) - This hard-driving song is my favorite on the album, for many reasons. The basic riff is excellent, and the guitar moments soar with energy. The lyrics and vocals are great, and the ending is the best of any Fogerty solo tune - I'm in the school of thought that feels every song has the right to a decent finish!
Knockin' On Your Door (4:14) - Fogerty's voice turns slightly gentler for this upbeat, enjoyable tune. The rhythm is addictive, and I can't help but move to it! The exemplary use of synthesizers highlight the tune, which didn't always succeed in previous songs.
Change In the Weather (6:40) - As I mentioned earlier, this reminds me of "Grapevine", and coincedentally, this is also Fogerty's longest solo tune. Like many of his songs, the lyrics are forboding, and his voice is appropriately threatening. But to me the highlights are definitely the superb guitar licks. Why is there not more of this jam-type playing on his solo projects?
Violence Is Golden (5:17) - To me, the first minute or so sounds like it should be called "Rude Awakening #3"! A variety of sounds with little connection or point. Thankfully, he finally begins the song, which probably has my favourite Fogerty lyrics - his sarcasm oozing from every word. The fine guitar work is supported by a pounding rhythm section. A 4-minute tune would have been perfect!
Wasn't That a Woman (4:02) - I don't particularly like the repeating of the title between every line, and the music break is dull, in my opinion, but the rest of the song is great. Another habit-forming melody, and Fogerty's voice excels. Oh yeah, I got it badly!
Soda Pop (5:50) - Fogerty's complaint about fame through mass advertising - I guess he won't be promoting Pepsi anytime soon! I feel the music is kind of weak - too inactive at times, and some confusing moments. However, the lyrics and voice save this song, and I really like the "Gimme that, money" refrains at the end.
Sail Away (4:38) - This is the "Someday Never Comes" of the Fogerty catalog - the subdued, tender song that I love. The peaceful, serene mood is wonderful, and Fogerty's surprisingly gentle voice is supported marvelously by the deep background singers. The keyboards and bass are interesting enough that the fade-off doesn't seem to drag on pointlessly. Until the next Fogerty record, I'll be waiting for the silent ship....
Rating: 9 out of 10
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