To most fans of the AOR/melodic hard rock genre, the name Paul Sabu surely requires no introduction. In my considered opinion this mini album arguably represents his finest hour.
Written by: RichardB
ARTIST: Sabu
ALBUM: Sabu
LABEL: MCA
SERIAL: MCA-3236
YEAR: 1980
CD REISSUE: Discogs Reissue List
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: USA
LINEUP: Paul Sabu – vocals, guitars * Dan Holmes – drums * Rick Bozzo – bass * Steffen Presley – keyboards
TRACK LISTING: 01 Rock Me Slowly * 02 Wet And Wild * 03 Turn Back * 04 Shakin’ Loose * 05 Streetheart * 06 For Lovers Only
WEBLINKS: Site Link
Background
To most fans of the AOR/melodic hard rock genre, the name Paul Sabu surely requires no introduction. A highly respected musician with numerous production credits to his name his first hard rock outing has perhaps been overlooked in favour of his works with Only Child and later solo albums.
In my considered opinion this mini album arguably represents his finest hour. It followed hot on the heels of his disco flavoured debut released the previous year, and some might say represented a welcome(!) change in musical direction.
Our Paul was nothing if not eclectic in his music stylings. This being a refreshing change from the more blinkered attitudes of some hard rock musicians.It’s often been a criticism (usually by non-rock fans) that the rhythm sections of hard rock outfits are as plodding and lead footed as the proverbial tap dancing hippo.
However Sabu proved to be the exception to the rule, in the form of drummer Dan Holmes (ex Marcus) and the unfortunately named Rick Bozzo (certainly no mug) on the bass guitar. This sprightly talented duo really do add another dimension to the songs, and help bring them to life.
In addition you have Steffen Presley’s (no relation to Elvis) ever present tasteful keyboards, perfectly balanced with Paul Sabu’s raw guitar and soulful vocals. Put all these tantalising ingredients together in the AOR melting pot, and what do you get? You guessed it an absolute hard rock classic!
The Songs
The epic slow burning ‘Rock Me Slowly’ is a perfect introduction to Sabu’s particular brand of hard rock, cruising effortlessly. Whereas they put their pedal to the metal on the hard driving ‘Wet And Wild’. Steffen Presley is given the first of many chances to shine here with a frenetic keyboard solo.
Side one closer ‘Turn Back’ is highlighted by an impassioned vocal performance and wonderfully fluid guitar solo from Paul Sabu. ‘Shakin’ Loose’ has a lazy guitar riff, unforgettable keyboard refrain and yet another well oiled guitar solo.
‘Streetheart’ is an ode to, ahem a, ‘lady of the night’, and has a great hammond organ solo. Fortunately on this song Paul Sabu manages to eschew the usual cringe inducing macho lyrics peddled by Whitesnake amongst others (yeah right, how many times can you be ‘born under a bad sign?’..Ed).
My favourite the final track ‘For Lovers Only’, has a galloping rhythm section and some frenzied fretboard action. All you closet air guitarists out there would have a field day on this one!
In Summary
It only goes for me to say that if you don’t already have this gem in your collection you should be thoroughly ashamed of yourself, and take steps to rectify this obvious oversight immediately. Worthy of a CD re-release for sure, and given the great man’s latest venture, perhaps he’ll oblige with a few more bonus tracks thrown in? Now that really would be something to celebrate.
Sabu on Video
Click to go to YTM album page.
