Steve Winwood - Arc of a Diver
#477
By Carl Hays
December 31 1980
Steve Winwood
Arc of a Diver
Genre: High-Hair, Moody-Disco, Light-Funk
Allen’s Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Carl’s Rating: 2.9/5
Highlights:
When You See A Chance
Spanish Dancer
Night Train
This album is simply confused. I am not sure if Steve is being pushed into the 80's because he has the 80's vocal chops or he really wants to go there; but other than track 1, he appears to resist that push on every other track except the first - like he gave his label what they wanted - a hit that made it to #7 on the billboards, and the REST of this album seems like Steve's middle finger because he loves disco and funk - or his Pirates of Penzance moment. He isn’t particularly good at either Disco or Funk so there is that- but his band can smash but not to the point I am jumping up and doing the shopping cart or sprinkler if you get my drift- but they can play. The producer likes to sprinkle some synth around just to remind you (and Steve) they are not in the 70's anymore. He hits some notes here and there that remind me of Peter Gabriel- especially Spanish dancer. There is some solid blues guitar in here but you need geo-location to find it.
While You See A Chance 4.5/5
Love the organ lead in with this song and the message. I would anticipate Steve does not enjoy playing this song but I have not researched to confirm. Solid message, melody, he sounds like and 80's jukebox hero. I am not requesting this at a wedding but It's A Beauty Eh.
Arc Of A Diver 2.95/5
Immediately after "See" Steve seems like he is pumping the breaks on the 80's as this has a funk feel to it. Unfortunately his vocals are not. They seem a little misplaced . They want to sing Sledgehammer when he is feeling Beegeeish.
"While You See A Chance" which was firing on all 80's cylinders and I do not understand at all why the album is named after this song other than he must be really proud of it. It has a pleasant funk to it but really nothing to get worked up about. The lead guitar in the middle is nice and relaxed not really shredding. This is a pleasant cocktail melody blending in the background of whatever life conversations were happening at the bar - and it is 5 1/2 minute song so settle in.
Second-Hand Woman 2.5/5
Funky rhythm and beat. This is where I am wondering what Steve thinks this album is? There is a pretty strong classic disco rhythm which you cannot miss. Maybe he is trusting his gut on what his fans want or he is just uncomfortable moving All In to the 80's. The synth player goes a little nuts at the end so if you love that sound this track is for you.
Slowdown Sundown 2/5
Slow paced melody with acoustic guitar pushing a weepy slow dance. You certainly could shuffle around a Homecoming dance floor to this but it would be at the end of the night and you missed out on Journey.
Spanish Dancer 2.5/5
More synthesizer in this song leading in. This feels like the producer is messing around with beats for the fit and feel with it. It has a nice groove as it settles in. I do not love or hate this song.
Night Train 3.5/5
Annnnd back to disco/funk. I like that he riffs in the beginning here and throws some improv lead guitar early. I can see his band in a dank bar rummaging through the music like a collection of notes on napkins. The lyrics aren't particularly mesmerizing but I do like this groove and I can bob my head like Ace Ventura Pet Detective to it. Some very NICE blues lead winding the song down and taking the train home. I would almost prefer he doesn't sing at all on this track.
Dust 2/5
Synth again. Slowing it down. "Time they call the universal healer." Not a super profound lyricist. I appreciate that he is at least running his vocals around on this last track pushing the notes a little.
https://open.spotify.com/album/6st1dtm8abvdd1S9vWLUQL?si=6XT6BrkgQ7u9USLYq83qBQ
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