This album is the black sheep of Peter Frampton’s discography according to Peter himself, released during tough times for the artist.
Written by: Dave T
ARTIST: Peter Frampton
ALBUM: The Art Of Control
LABEL: A&M
SERIAL: SP 4905
YEAR: 1982
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Peter Frampton – vocals, guitar, guitar synthesizer * Mark Goldenberg – backing vocals, guitar, keyboards * John Regan – bass * Harry Stinson – drums
TRACK LISTING: 01 I Read The News * 02 Sleepwalk * 03 Save Me * 04 Back To Eden * 05 An Eye For An Eye * 06 Don’t Think About Me * 07 Heart In The Fire * 08 Here Comes Caroline * 09 Barbara’s Vacation
RATING: 80/100
Background
This album is the black sheep of Peter Frampton’s discography according to Peter himself, released during tough times for the artist that included a breakup, record sales at an all-time low for his career, severed ties with management, alcohol and drug-related issues and last but not least pressure from A&M to sound updated.
For this album, Frampton recruited Mark Goldenberg (Linda Ronstadt) as writing partner and band member as well as ace producer/engineer Eddie Kramer (Jimi Hendrix, Kiss).
The Songs
Legend has it that A&M executives instructed Frampton to not sound like himself in a last-ditch effort to boost sales. That might explain the guitarist’s aversion to the album which, nonetheless, sounds pleasant and has aged well after thirty-five plus years.
And is helped by a wise, clear production where the drums hit hard, the guitars shine and the bottom end emphasizes all. I can hear some similarities, sound-wise, with the first two Ace Frehley solo albums produced by Kramer.
The songs flirt with then-current trends the likes of new wave and power pop, and the influence of Goldenberg’s songwriting is clear.
‘I Read The News’ opens with a melodic line not far in style from the previous album ‘Breaking All The Rules’. However, production is vastly superior and the vibe is darker and more melancholic, including the lyrics, which sets the tone for the entire album. Frampton’s wailing solo is like a song in between the song, his emotional vibrato is outstanding.
‘Sleepwalk’ tells a story of drug abuse in a British accent and a new wave style. ‘Save Me’, with its robotic pace, is a love-longing lament. The guitarist still knew how to write a good song in 1982.
His melancholic take on lost innocence in ‘Back To Eden’ is a return to classic Frampton. Contrary to popular belief, some of these songs were performed live, and the next two were part of the setlist at Frampton’s tour of Brazil in late 1982.
‘An Eye For An Eye’ sounds like a Rolling Stones‘ lost tune while ‘Don’t Think About Me’ is another try at the new wave sound. Some of the best was saved for the latter part of the album. ‘Heart In The Fire’ mixes an AOR chorus with new wave and power pop and is not far from any good The Police song.
‘Here Comes Caroline’ seems like an obvious attempt at hit single that melodically succeeds with its catchy chorus although it does remind me of many similar power pop songs of the late 70’s/early 80’s. Closer ‘Barbara’s Vacation’ is a mixed bag of pop and some Ska rhythms.
In Summary
The Art Of Control’ peaked at #174 on the Billboard chart and stayed only 8 weeks there. Peter Frampton’s worst chart action since the his 1972 debut, ‘Winds Of Change’. But we are not here to discuss album sales and chart action. We are interested in good music instead. And ‘The Art Of Control’ is a good album.
Arguably, there are no brilliant tracks such as ‘Rise Up’ or the title track from 1981’s ‘Breaking All The Rules’ (these two are long forgotten gems as well), but it’s more than worth a listen today, especially the pristine 2008 Japanese SHM-CD reissue. You’ll be surprised at the good 80’s in it.
A&M let Frampton go after its release. There was neither promotion nor support for the album, besides that aforementioned Brazilian mini tour in November of 1982.
He did not record again up until 1986’s ‘Premonition’. A tour as David Bowie‘s guest guitarist followed in 1987. Peter Frampton is now finally and deservedly, recognized as a key classic rock guitarist since the early 2000’s.
Peter Frampton on Video
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