Music For Life

Not to be confused with David Essex's fine Rock On album from 1973, Collectables' Rock On is a budget-priced, hastily assembled ten-song collection that draws from Essex's first three albums. From Rock On are the title track -- Essex's biggest hit and a wonderful blend of Jeff Wayne's inventive production and arrangement and Essex's pure pop songcraft and glam sensibility -- "Lamplight," and the tough-as-nails "Streetfight." From his second album, 1974's David Essex, comes "Gonna Make You a Star," "Good Ol' Rock & Roll," "Stardust," and "America." Surprisingly the songs are no letdown from those on his first album and display a level of depth and drama not present before. "Stardust" especially is a glam opera in three minutes that are right up there with anything Bowie or Bolan did. Well, maybe not that good, but close. Three songs come from 1975's All the Fun of the Fair, and it's here that the quality begins to dip a bit. The songs are still strong and Essex's vocals are still powerful, but the arrangements are weak. The mock fairground sounds of "Hold Me Close," the cheesy synth strings and bass on "Circles," and the disco of "Rolling Stone" are no match for the rest of the disc. Too bad. Perhaps the best thing would be a two-fer of the first two albums. Keep that in mind, Collectables. Or even a domestic best-of with remastered sound and good photos of the handsome Mr. Essex. As far as this disc goes, for the price it isn't a bad deal. ~ Tim Sendra, All Music Guide