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[8/10] History has been kind to UFO in that with each new album produced under the name there is a confidence that it will be received with the benefit of a doubt and so it is with the opening of You Are Here. Of course the expectations were high for this is the group that had already produced such unparalleled classics as 'Force It', 'Phenomenon', 'No Heavy Pettin’' and 'Lights Out'. Though I am not (as yet) able to say that You Are Here surpasses the combination of intense passion and downright shred of those early classics this one does rate much higher than just about anything else that bears the UFO logo.
The center of UFO has always been Phil Mogg and Pete Way and it is that pair who carry You Are Here though they have ample help from newbies Jason Bonham and Vinnie Moore. Moore’s soloing is every bit as fiery as previous players in the position and Bonham continues to channel his famous father’s spirit with every whack making the whole of this album feel like a solid team effort, something that was lacking on previous outings.
Though each of the twelve tracks has their own endearing feature for me it was the indescribable thump of 'Mr. Freeze' that won the day. On this track you have one of the hottest solos in UFO history and one of the greatest performances by Phil Mogg that I have ever heard. Powerful stuff for sure. 'The Spark That Is Us' and 'The Wild One' both rate special mention as well with their places in a live set necessitated by their simple existence.
With the release of You Are Here me thinks that the temptation for UFO to suffer the tantrums of on again/off again guitarist Michael Schenker will easily be avoided. The best in years and more than primer enough to bring the fans out to see UFO knock the lights out live. Related Link(s):
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