This was the last studio album from Angel until 1999’s ‘In The Beginning’, it should have sold millions, but there you go – the record buying public were as fickle then as they are now
Written by: Lee South Africa
ARTIST: Angel
ALBUM: Sinful
LABEL: Casablanca
SERIAL: NBLP 7127
YEAR: 1979
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Frank Dimino – vocals * Punky Meadows – guitars * Gregg Giuffria – keyboards * Felix Robinson – bass * Barry Brandt – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 Don’t Take Your Love * 02 L.A Lady * 03 You Just Can’t Take It * 04 You Can’t Buy Love * 05 Bad Time * 06 Waited A Long Time * 07 I’ll Bring The Whole World To Your Door * 08 I’ll Never Fall In Love Again * 09 Wild And Hot * 10 Lovers Live On
WEBLINKS: Wikipedia Page
Background
One of the ultimate legends of AOR, Angel were the band that should have been a huge commercial success but were not. Their 1975 debut was a grand Pomp Rock affair. Each subsequent release saw them move a step closer to straight ahead melodic AOR, culminating in this album ‘Sinful’.
They chose an all white image to tie in with their name, and delivered visually exciting live concerts – including a carnival trick which saw them appear on stage out of nowhere and then disappear without a trace when the show was over. As a consequence their tours were successful, but unfortunately the albums languished around the lower reaches of the top 100.
The Songs
Out of the blocks comes ‘Don’t Take Your Love’, a natural AOR anthem complete with hooks and a big chorus. Even though it was perfect for AOR radio, it eluded hit single status. ‘LA Lady’ keeps the tempo high, but it’s marred by a really irritating honky tonk piano part which spoils an otherwise decent track.
‘Bad Time’ is another great song, bringing back the pomp keys with plenty of melodic drama, all at mid tempo. ‘Waited A Long Time’ is the perfect start to side two, once again there are catchy hooks and a memorable chorus. On the ballad ‘I’ll Never Fall In Love Again’, we’re treated to some grandiose pomp keys during yet another strong chorus. After the energetic romp of ‘Wild And Hot’, it’s the elegant mid tempo AOR of ‘Lovers Live On’ that closes off a great album.
In Summary
This was the last studio album from Angel until 1999’s ‘In The Beginning’. It should have sold millions, but there you go – the record buying public were as fickle then as they are now.
Gregg Giuffria went on to success with Giuffria and House Of Lords, while Felix Robinson joined 707 in 1982. Like all Angel fans, I’m waiting for this gem to be remastered and re released on CD, since the 1994 Polygram release has been deleted for years. Any enterprising reissue companies out there?
Video
Don’t Take Your Love
L.A Lady
