Elly Roberts reviews
Sonja Kristina: Sonja Kristina
Distributed by
Market Square
- Released: August 2006
- Rating: 8/10
In true 1960s style, Sonja Kristina was a real musical troubadour.
From her stage exploits in hit musical Hair, she went on to front short-lived
progressive rockers Curved Air, winning several accolades and became a pin-up
in the process.
They released one of rock’s greatest singles, Back Street Luv, in
August 1971, peaking at four on the UK charts. Three albums also charted,
Air Conditioning, Curved Air and Phantasmagoria. At a time when
men the ruled the rock world, Kristina became one of rock’s first big names.
This re-issue of her 1980 solo release brings her back into the spotlight –
it’s a far cry from her former band’s repertoire which had greater jazz and
classical influences. Her individual efforts have never charted, which is a
shame, because she was one of best vocalists on the scene. Though not in
tune with music from the period, New Romantics and New Wave, it’s an
interesting account of her progression with a more expansive range.
Some songs continue to show a progressive edge in particular The Comforter
- a rambling rocker about the downside of dabbling in self-medication and
hedonism – Street Run about uneasiness in the air at Notting Hill
Carnival – St.Tropez a storming rocker with rasping guitar licks. Totally
out of synch with the rockers is the cabaret like Fade Away by Ron Hill.
Renegade can be considered a stylish classic Euro soft-rocker with
jangling synths floating throughout. Rounding off is a sublime cover of
Dionne Warwick’s hit Walk On By, perfect for her cultured voice.
Kristina vocally excels herself on delicate love ballad Colder Than A Rose
In Snow and the stunning Full Time Woman, both being the album’s
highlights.
The closest she comes to an out and out pop song is the breezy synth-driven
Breaking Out In Smiles. Commercially it might not be a big seller;
nevertheless, it’s a solid album.
The full list of tracks included are :
DVDs reviewed by the editor are watched on a Panasonic TXW32R4 32" widescreen TV
connected to either a Creative Dxr2 DVD-ROM player or Microsoft Xbox and
played through a Sony STR-DB930 amplifier.
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2008.
