Mike + the Mechanics - Mike + the Mechanics

Fabulous tunes

This Mike and the Mechanics CD is great. I had the tape of this, but it died. The CD has much better quality than the tape. I think Mike and the Mechanics were a vastly under rated group. Each one of the cuts have interesting lyrics and a wonderful melody that is appropriate for the words. All I Need Is A Miracle is still one of the rockinest songs ever. Always makes me get up and dance. Try this CD, you won't be disappointed. November 4, 2008

A must in my collection

I loved this album since the day it came out. After wearing out my cassette tape, I decided to get it in a cd version. On any long trip, this album is in my top 5 to take everytime. August 31, 2008

Mike & The Mechanics hits the spot!

The first, and one of the best, "Mike & the Mechanics" from start to finish is a masterpiece worth the attention. I couldn't put it down once I started listening to it, every song on here is a hit! Here's my overview of the album:

Silent Running- New wave sound, Carrack's vocals are perfect for this track. Lyrics about secret revolution. Best song on the album.
All I Need is a Miracle- Remember this song? The upbeat melody and catchy lyrics? It's all here! Paul Young was the best choice to sing this one!
Par Avion- Soft love song, calm and sweet. I don't know who is singing this one, but the vocals are just beautiful.
Hanging by a Thread- Rocker song added in some electronic sound along with Young's powerful vocals. Lyrics about a bad dream dealing with execution.
I Get the Feeling- A good-feeling song with upbeat melodies. Not my personal favorite.
Take the Reins- Another upbeat rocker featuring Young once again, it kinda gets old fast, but that's just my take.
You are the One- That voice again! Who is it? Simple keyboard is all that plays on this track, a simple little love song.
A Call to Arms- Yes, this is a winner. Another new wave inspired song with a hint of rock topped off with Carrack's unforgettable voice. The lyrics deal with calling people to take up arms and fight the enemy. This one you can't pass up.
Taken In- Now this is truly one of my favorites. Upbeat tempo slow-rock song featuring Young's vocals. Sexy saxophone in this song makes it one of the best! It adds to the final touch, good ending song!

The only flaw with this album is that it only has 9 tracks and I wished there could've been more. With that said, I recommend this album if you enjoy Genesis, Mike Rutherford's work, love the sound of the 80's, or you want to relive the good old days. This album is one the best! May 1, 2008

great cd

this is a great CD - There is obviously the classic All I need is a Miracle - but the whole CD is good nusic and worth listening to. Highly recommenend it. October 17, 2007

Took a while to get into...

When it first came out, I noticed this album just 'cause it was Rutherford's "third solo album". But I never actually heard all of it until many years later. Frankly, I can't remember ever having a harder time deciding whether or not I liked an album. I also had a hard time connecting it with Genesis-member Rutherford -- it was as if his personality really didn't stand out among those of his collaborators. Finally I decided I did like it and started listening to it often; the key was to play the songs in a different order so the stronger tracks would be closer to the end!

The best track is arguably "A Call To Arms", an aborted Genesis song that Rutherford salvaged for his own use. Young and Carrack both sing on this (along with an "up front" female backing singer) but it takes some close listening to distinguish between them. I also enjoy "Hanging By A Thread", although it would be better if it had another chorus toward the end. A few tracks are just fluff but at least they're inoffensive.
October 2, 2006

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