BOZ SCAGGS Fade Into Light
From page 65 of Classic Rock Magazine January 2006
Virgin
Smooth as Silk Degrees. For a long time available only in Japan, Fade Into Light – a mashup of film soundtrack, unplugged remakes and new material – has sold for hefty sums among the cognoscenti. It has now been issued domestically. And its appeal is readily apparent.
With a sumptuous production and flawless playing from a band of session heavyweights, it’s almost unreasonably enjoyable, immaculately crafted AOR. If Boz had Bryan Ferry’s jaded ennui or Donald Fagen’s cynical lyrical bent, the best of this album would be discussed in the same breath as Avalon or Kamakiriad . Instead, staggeringly unruffled blueeyed soul marvels like the cover of Teddy Pendergrass’s Love T.K.O. seem fated to remain closely guarded secrets. Just stop the disc before the closing track’s clunking drum programming shatters the mood.
■■■■■■■ ■■■
Jonathan Lewis


