Rick Springfield: Written In Rock: Rick Springfield Anthology (Disc-1) CD Track Listing

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Rick Springfield Written In Rock: Rick Springfield Anthology (Disc-1) (2005)
Written In Rock: The Rick Springfield Anthology - Disc 1 of 2\n2005 RCA/Legacy\n\nOriginally Released April 26, 2005\n\nAMG EXPERT REVIEW: Rick Springfield deserves better than being written off as nothing more than a slight teen idol, as he so frequently is. Of course, it's easy to see why he's been pegged as nothing more than teenybopper fodder. He had pinup good looks, which led him to a starring role as Dr. Noah Drake on the soap opera General Hospital, which was his regular gig when his 1981 album, Working Class Dog, and its number one hit single, "Jessie's Girl," stormed the U.S. charts, kicking off nearly five years of Top Ten hits. During that hot streak, Springfield was all over teen magazines and the airwaves, seizing the opportunity to be ubiquitous, and who could blame him? He may have been an overnight sensation, but it came with over a decade's worth of hard work, beginning with the psych-tinged heavy rock band Zoot in his native Australia and leading him through flirtations with mellow singer/songwriter tunes, prog, glorious AM bubblegum, and power pop, before winding up with the sleek, mainstream pop/rock that brought him fame with Working Class Dog. That progression, along with the aftermath of his fame, is charted on RCA/Legacy's excellent 2005 compilation Written in Rock: The Rick Springfield Anthology, a 42-track, double-disc set, compiled with the assistance of Springfield (who also contributes terrific liner notes), that covers his entire career. To those who think of Springfield as a lightweight, the very existence of such a hefty career overview may seem ridiculous, but Written in Rock makes an excellent case for his skills as a hooky, tremendously appealing pop star. To snobs, this is the kind of music that's written off as a guilty pleasure -- it's filled with huge, forceful hooks and delivered in slick production that always evokes its era, whether it's the soft focus of the early '70s, the synth-laden fallout of new wave in the early '80s, or the big, meticulously recorded polish of the '90s -- but so be it: that doesn't mean that it's anything less than a pleasure. In particular, his hot streak of the early '80s retains its glitz and kinetic energy, the perfect mix of arena rock, power pop, and new wave, but the real revelation of the set is how terrific the cuts from the '70s are: the rollicking Jesus rock of "Speak to the Sky" managed to hit number 14 in 1972 and it sounds as joyous and irresistible as ever here, but the cuts from 1974's Comic Book Heroes and especially 1976's Wait for Night illustrate that Springfield was quite a talented and versatile pop/rocker nearly a decade before his big breakthrough (here's hoping that they will finally get widespread CD reissue in the wake of this set). In fact, the biggest weakness of this set is that it glosses over the '70s rather quickly, devoting perhaps a little bit too much space to his post-hitmaking years (the final ten songs all date from 1988 to 2004), but even that material showcases a rocker who is a more versatile writer and musician than he's given credit for, and it's also more emotionally open to boot. Even at its considerable length, Written in Rock has a couple of omissions -- his wonderful bubblegum soundtrack for the animated early-'70s TV show Mission Magic is regrettably absent, as are such smaller hits as "What Would the Children Think," "Bruce," and "Taxi Dancing" -- but these are minor flaws since, as a whole, the collection offers a thorough, entertaining, and winning overview of this perennially underrated pop star. -- Stephen Thomas Erlewine\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nSet in Stone and Written in Rock., November 29, 2005\nReviewer: The Groove (Boston, MA)\nAlthough Rick Springfield has been making records since the 1970s, his career didn't reach platinum heights until the 1980s, during which he enjoyed fame as both a hitmaker and as Noah Drake on daytime TV's "General Hospital." During the first half of the latter decade, he consistently whipped out catchy pop rock confections like "Jessie's Girl" (for which he won a Grammy), "Don't Talk to Strangers" and "Affair of the Heart" while competing with George Michael and Simon LeBon for teen idol supremacy. But like most pop stars who owe much of their success to MTV and Tiger Beat, Springfield was dismissed by some as a lightweight getting by on good looks. The truth is, many of his hits stand well enough on their own merits. "Written in Rock" is the first-ever compilation that surveys his entire recording history on two CDs, and it's a generous serving that has all the hits and more. In addition to the previously mentioned singles, we also get lesser-known tracks like 1983's "Souls," the tearjerker 1981 album cut "Inside Sylvia," the underrated "Honeymoon in Beirut" and "Love Somebody," taken from his long-forgotten movie "Hard to Hold." Of course, the tracks are remastered, and we get some liner notes from Mr. Springfield himself. Rick's hitmaking days are long gone, but "Written in Rock" is an overdue collection that does him justice. A 1980s guilty pleasure that's more pleasure than guilt.\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nYes! Finally the CD set I've been waiting for!, October 19, 2005\nReviewer: Hope L. Boune (California, USA)\nI've been waiting for Rick Springfield to release an anthology for years. There have been many compilations of his music by corporations out to make an easy buck, but nearly all of them have been without Rick's input. The liner notes alone made this CD worth the cost, as Rick gives insight into the stories behind the songs that I've loved all this time. \n\nRick has had many hits and enjoys a loyal (and some might say, rabid) fan following. Unfortunately, critics can't seem to look past his dimples to see the gifted songwriter and talented musician underneath. The misconception has always been that Rick is a pretty-boy actor trying to play at being a rock star. The reality is that the music was there all along, and those that can't see it are truly missing out. \n\nThis anthology spans 30 years and showcases a catalogue that many artists would envy. There are some notable songs missing ("Bruce" his lamentable (yet funny) song about being mistaken for Bruce Springsteen, and "Stand Up" a powerful and fun arena-rock song from the movie "Hard to Hold"), but what is here will rock your socks! From his days during the early 70's to his Grammy-award winning "Jessie's Girl", to the hard-edged "Living in Oz", to the sweetness that is "Ordinary Girl" from his 1999 CD "Karma", to his latest songs from his recent CD "Shock/Denial/Anger/Acceptance" this anthology will give you a solid listening experience and a look into one of the most under-rated performers of our time. \n\nAs a 13 yr. old, I loved Rick because he was cute and he wrote songs that were fun. As a 37 yr. old, I look back at those songs and realize that they still hold up. Not only that, but I find meaning in them that, at age 13, I couldn't appreciate. Rick's ballads have a level of depth to them that is astounding. The tribute to his father, "My Father's Chair" never fails to make me cry (and at the concerts I've attended, there's not a dry eye in the house!). \n\nI highly recommend this anthology. A nice mix of old and new, hard rocking songs and tender ballads from a talented singer and songwriter. 5 stars! \n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nOne of rock's most over-looked artists, August 4, 2005\nReviewer: DanD (Central Illinois)\nHe was an actor and a musician; how serious do you THINK the critics would take him? As such, Rick Springfield, despite several hits (including "Jessie's Girl" and "I've Done Everything For You," both of which you probably know even if you don't realize it), has been left to dust. This compilation comes out after his career has pretty much run its course (although a recent top-thirty hit on the Adult Contemporary charts is noteworthy), but it stands as a reminder that this guy was one of the best singer/songwriter/guitarists out there. \n\nStarting from his earliest days, up through his most recent album of covers (the unfortunately bland THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW), WRITTEN IN ROCK is a CD for any rock fan. There's the rollickin' guitar/vocal styles of "I've Done Everything For You," "Jessie's Girl," "The Light of Love," "Calling All Girls," etc.; there're the sentimental ballads, such as "Souls," "Me & Johnny," "The Power Of Love," and others; there's the 80s "bop" of "Bob 'Til You Drop," "Don't Walk Away," and "Love Somebody." There're songs of reflection, songs of angst, songs of sex, songs of drugs, songs of fatherhood, songs of remorse, songs of happiness, and songs of...well, songs. It's all here, recorded over an impressive career that most artists would envy. Springfield has never really slowed down; he's always done it his way, and WRITTEN IN ROCK is a testimony to how far one man and a guitar can go...and the desire for a certain best friend's girlfriend...\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nA great collection from a great, underrated performer!, July 2, 2005\nReviewer: S. Rock "zhelder" (NJ)\nRick Springfield doesn't get the credit he deserves. How do I know this? Well, being a frugal shopper, I always try to buy newly released CDs the week they come out because they are usually released at an introductory sale price significantly less than the regular retail price. Well, the Rick Springfield Anthology didn't receive such a release. I discovered the release of the CD accidentally (I forget exactly how) and I said to myself, "How did I miss this?" I missed it because it was relased with almost no fanfare. Well, I finally managed to pick it up the other day, and it was probably the first time in at least 5 years that I paid retail price for a CD. And it was well worth it. \nThe term "power pop" has been used to describe Rick Springfield's music, and that's an appropriate term. His songs are catchy, upbeat, and meticulously crafted, with choruses that you can't get out of your head. You probably remember more of his songs than you think. Everyone knows "Jessie's Girl" (his most popular and best song), but you most likely also know "I've Done Everything for You", "Don't Talk to Strangers", "Human Touch"(IMHO his 2nd best song, brilliantly composed with a fantastic chorus), and "Love Somebody". Even the songs you probably don't know are fantastic, and will be stuck in your head for moths to come once you hear them for the first time. I am particularly fond of "Speak to the Sky", a folksy early 70s pop song than I never heard before I got this album. Now, it's permanently etched in my brain. \nRick's more recent stuff is more introspective and a bit more subdued, but the music is composed and arranged with the same quality and attention to detail as his earlier stuff. Overall, this is a fantastic compilation by a fantastic singer, songwriter, and composer who does not get the recognition he deserves for his contributions to rock music. Get this album TODAY. You won't be sorry. \n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\nA Marvelous Retrospective ..., May 27, 2005\nReviewer: Stephie Fryar "Stephie" (Chicago, IL USA)\n"Written In Rock: Anthology" is a collection of 42 songs which spand the 30 year career of one of rock music's most underrated (imo) singer/songwriters, Rick Springfield, from his days as a teenybopper rocker as a member of Zoot, through his "glory days" in the 1980's up to his most recent recordings, including "shockdenialangeracceptance" and the forthcoming "The Day After Yesterday". \n\nAll of the songs have been newly remastered, which means they sound better than before, and it's such a treat to have this "time capsule" which showcases Rick's talent as a musician and songwriter. \n\nWhat really makes this 2 CD set worth the price is the liner notes booklet, in which Rick recounts what was going on with him and his life when each song was written. Rick's honesty and sense of humor really comes through in the liner notes, and since this is as close as we'll come to getting to an autobiography from Rick (I hope he'll write one, though, because he's a marvelous storyteller - with or without music), it's fascinating to see how various life experiences shaped his music into the kind of rock music which has managed to stand the test of time and is still edgy and relevant some three decades later. \n\nI'm still amazed by how perceptive Rick is as a songwriter ("Human Touch" immediately comes to mind), and how each song manages to reflect some event which has either happened to the listener or which the listener is going through. This is why Rick's music still has the power to touch the listener and get them thinking about their world ... and if you haven't experienced just how good rock music can be ... GET THIS CD! You won't be sorry. :-)\n\nAMAZON.COM CUSTOMER REVIEW\n4 + 1/2 stars...More Than Just Another Pretty Face, April 26, 2005\nReviewer: Steve Vrana (Aurora, NE)\nWith the success of his 1972 hit "Speak to the Sky," Capitol Records tried to market Rick Springfield as the next Donny Osmond. As a result, it would be nine years before his breakout hit--the million-selling chart topper "Jessie's Girl"--made him one of the most popular artists of the Eighties. \n\nDuring that decade, Springfield would land sixteen songs in the Top 40, including hits like "I've Done Everything for You," "Don't Talk to Strangers," Affair of the Heart" and "Love Somebody." And he wrote nearly all of his own material. [The only hit he didn't write himself was the Sammy Hagar-penned "I've Done Everything for You."] \n\nWhile nearly all of his hits were recorded for RCA, this anthology also includes his Capitol hit "Speak to the Sky," as well as material from his Columbia and Chelsea albums. There's even a cover of the Beatles "Eleanor Rigby" from 1970 by his first band Zoot. Zoot also recorded "Speak to the Sky," which went to No. 1 in his native Australia, but he rerecorded the song for release in America. [The only missing hit is the 1985 novelty hit "Bruce" (recorded in 1978), where Springfield expresses his concerns about being mistaken for Bruce Springsteen.] \n\nWhile forty-two tracks may seem excessive, it's necessary to adequately cover the career of an artist whose recording career spans over three decades. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED \n\nHalf.com Album Notes\nPersonnel: Rick Springfield (vocals, guitar); Neil Geraldo, Peter Lyon (guitar); Gabe Katona (saxophone, keyboards); Les Smith (bass guitar); Eddie Rodriguez (drums); Bill Drescher.\n\nProducers: Howard Gable; Robie Porter; Mark K. Smith; Rick Springfield; Keith Olsen.\n\nLiner Note Author: Rick Springfield.\nRecording information: 1970 - 2005. YEAR: 2005
This rock cd contains 22 tracks and runs 75min 7sec.
Freedb: 4e119916
Buy: from Amazon.com

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