An album with outstanding moments from Hunter

Review Score: (8/10)
Ian Hunter, despite his considerable talents, has had a hit and miss solo career. He's always needed someone like Mick Ralphs or Mick Ronson to argue with and collaborate on his recordings second guessing Hunter and pushing him in new directions.

ALL AMERICAN ALIEN BOY(along with ARTFUL DODGER) is an exception to that rule. Although a trifile slick, the album has many exceptional moments littered throughout. "Letter from Britiania to the Union Jack", "Rape", "Apathy", Irene Wilde" are all outstanding songs that rank among the best of Hunter's songs. Each shows Hunter in a reflective mood about his home, humanity and his own life.

Even the misses(the amusing "God(take 1)" and "All American alien boy") have their moments. "All American alien boy" features some outstanding playing from the session musicians Hunter assembled for the album(including bassist Jaco Pastorius). Still, Hunter could have used a Mick Ronson here to co-pilot this project and toughten some of the arrangements. This album has the generic sound and feel of many mid-70's albums.

Still, this album(unlike the overproduced follow up OVERNIGHT ANGELS--a pairing of Hunter with Roy Thomas Baker.)has moments of wit and clarity. The songwriting is, for the most part, focused and on target.

This album, along with IAN HUNTER, YOU'RE NEVER ALONE... and ARTFUL DODGER represent Hunter at his best.

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