Eric Carmen

Boats Against The Current

Carmen's Masterpiece

Review Score:

(10/10)

I was a huge Raspberries fan (unfortunately discovering the group 'after' they had disbanded). They had offered so much in talent, it seemed unbelievable that they could be ignored or denied the success they should have found. For Eric Carmen to rise (momentarily) from those ashes was remarkable.

Boats Against The Current was his masterpiece and also, strangely, the one that stalled his career. There was a conflict of interest with the origional producer and Carmen had to take over, becoming producer, as well as the artist.

The record went over budget and I personally think what really stalled his career was press (at the time) that began to paint him as a prima dona (his first album succeeding- they looked at the time and the money being spent here, then suggesting that it was going to his head). I remember some reviewers actually comparing this to the worst 'middle of the road tripe' of the time.

This record was (and remains) a work of art. Apart from Take It or Leave It and She Did It (the commercial/catchy offerings), it's a moving, reflective piece of work that studies the real highs and lows of life, love and the pursuit of dreams. Carmen indicated at the time that it was inspired by Fitzgerald's writing. Well... it's inspired work all on its own, too.

If you're looking for something that you'll find yourself listening to, time and time again; work that will take on added meaning as each year passes, this is music to be heard.

Masterpiece isn't a word to be offered lightly. This remains a masterpiece- from the melodies, to the lyrics, to the arranging, musicianship and engineering.

I'll guarantee you- it will lead you to a wealth of work- from his Raspberries offerings, to other solo efforts with some real gems.

But this is the one that artists hope to make. And it's the one audiences should listen to.

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