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Album: Traffic
Artist: ABC
label: Borough Music
issued: 2008
review by: retroBlog.net

It’s hard to believe that it has been 11 years since ABC’s last studio release but Martin Fry is indeed back with a brand new album titled, Traffic. I’m one of those fans that faithfully followed them throughout the 80’s but lost track of them after their lackluster album Up back in 1989. So, it’s great to hear that Fry is keeping the flame alive with the new record along with a busy touring schedule to promote it.
Listening to the new album, I was pleased to hear that Fry and company have retained much of the classic sound that the group was known for back in their heyday. The record starts out strong with some well-produced material but by the second half, the songs unfortunately become non-descript with nothing memorable beyond the seventh track. But I have to give Fry, David Palmer and producer/co-writer Chuck Kentis credit for coming up with half an album’s worth of strong material. “Sixteen Seconds to Choose” kicks off Traffic with muscular drum playing and a fun distorted guitar riff. The song sort of harks back to the “That was then, This is Now” -era of the band. “The Very First Time” was wisely chosen as the first single off the album and it sounds very much like an updated reconstruction of “When Smokey Sings” (from the album Alphabet City) with its string arrangements and laidback motown groove. Other notable songs include “Love is Strong”, “Caroline” and “Ride”. The title track, “One Way Traffic”, is my personal favorite off the album. It’s got a Niles Rodgers/Chic-style groove complete with funky rhythm guitar licks and intricate hi-hat work. As a matter of fact, the song reminds me of Duran Duran’s “Notorious” which isn’t that surprising since Nile Rodgers was all over that song as producer and guitar player. But unfortunately Fry and company aren’t able to sustain that high level of songwriting throughout the whole record. as I mentioned earlier, the latter half of the record is pretty lackluster. but that being said, it’s still great to see new material from this ol’ 80’s band. I’m a bit sad that I couldn’t make it to see the Regeneration Tour last night but hopefully Martin Fry/ABC will be back touring the U.S. next summer.

Tracklist:
1 Sixteen Seconds to Choose 3:11
2 The Very First Time 3:38
3 Ride 3:37
4 Love Is Strong 4:06
5 Caroline 4:45
6 Life Shapes You 3:49
7 One Way Traffic 3:44
8 Way Back When 4:12
9 Validation 3:57
10 Lose Yourself 4:02
11 Fugitives 4:02
12 Minus Love 4:07
all tracks composed by Martin Fry, Chuck Kentis and David Palmer

listen to an excerpt of ABC’s “The Very First Time”:

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for more info, check out the official ABC website.
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music, reviews by retroDan