Rick Springfield in overdrive
What's Rick Springfield's secret? Easy. He gives his fans exactly what they want -- impassioned, infectious power-pop that sticks to his rock n' roll roots and defies the music industry's temptation to weasel off modern dance-floor beats.
(It doesn't help that he's a soap-opera star with timeless good looks who bends over backwards to show his appreciation right back at ya.)
Rick has a new album out -- "Venus in Overdrive" -- only his fourth disc since his '80s hey-days. And if you haven't been keeping up with his post "Jessie's Girl" days, that's your loss because "Venus" continues Rick's winning streak of catchy, entertaining work that reaches far beyond any "soccer mom" reputation that might get unfairly plastered on his fan base.
Here are some highlights:
WHAT'S THE SECRET? Like a lot of albums in the post-LP, iTunes world of music, "Venus" stacks the best tunes right at the top. The first cut might sound most familiar -- a catchy rock teaser called "What's Victoria's Secret?" that echoes the guitar hooks of "Jessie's Girl." Don't let the cutesy title throw you. This is a must download and will find its way onto your most-played list in no time. [Video]
WATCH THE LANGUAGE: It's shocking to hear a few not-safe-for-TV words sneak into a Springfield song, but Rick's a prankster in "I'll Miss That Someday," setting up a would-be naughty moment with the line:" Each love can turn out to be shi ... valry." This is gonna be fun tune to hear live in concert. [Live performance]
TAKE THE RIDE: "One Passenger" is another tune that will stick in the head after you reach the amped-up chorus: When I find the silver lining turns to gray, I'm just one passenger on this train."
FAIR WARNING: Longtime fans will be surprised by "Warning Shots," a dark but intense explosion that entertains while it frightens.
GETTING HIS BEATLE ON: At age 58, Rick was no doubt influenced by the lads of Liverpool, but it's never really been evident in his music until you hear "She," a Lennon-tinged tune that sounds like it could have been produced by Sir George Martin himself.
HIS PATRON SAINT: The last track on "Venus" is probably the most sentimental. "Saint Sahara" is a tribute to the passing of longtime fan teenage fan Sahara Aldridge: "Come on, Sahara. Give us a smile. You walked this far with us. Let's walk one more mile."
BONUS FEATURES: Depending on where you buy "Venus in Overdrive," some extras await you. The disc I bought at Best Buy contains two bonus tracks: a cover version of The Who's "My Generation" and an acoustic version of "Jessie's Girl." Plus, your music CD unlocks a bonus area on the Internet that includes interviews, music videos and photos. His official website also has a ton of extra features for hard-core fans.
FINAL VERDICT: Some of the elite music writers may whine about the shiny studio gloss that wraps itself around the 12 tracks, but they're missing the bigger point. Rick Springfield is relevant and necessary today for the same reason he was 25 years ago: His rock and his passion are meant not for the critics, but for the fans.
Relive the music, movies and culture of the greatest decade ever with Times online editor Steve Spears. A teen during the decade, Steve is obsessed with everything from Duran Duran to Journey, John Hughes to John Cusack, and parachute pants to Reaganomics.
E-mail Steve Spears:
RICK IS JUST SOOOOO SMOKIN HOT!!!!
LOVE THAT LITTLE SWEETBUTT!!!
Posted by: jo | August 07, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Good review Steve, but I personally don't think there is a weak song on the album. I got the CD from Best Buy also, and was able to get the studio version of "Who Killed Rock n' Roll" from the internet bonus area. A couple songs you didn't mention, but are worth mentioning are "Time Stand Still" and "Oblivious." "Time Stand Still" is another song that will penetrate the brain, and get you singing. "Oblivious" is a sad ballad, that could possibly be one of best ones Rick has ever written. There is also a fantastic bonus track on iTunes (yeah, I downloaded it too) called "Pretty Little Mess." I have had this album on heavy rotation since the day I got it. Definitely a must buy CD.
Posted by: Bassnote | August 07, 2008 at 11:21 AM
im with bassnote, i have been spinning this disc constantly since last tuesday. ive actually had to force myself not to listen to it. its that good. its easily his best since 1988's rock of life. there isnt a bad song on the whole collection. it might be the best cd by a classic artist this year. rick will be hitting biloxi in oct. i think ill be definetely be checking it out. and as a bonus, this cd charted in the top 30 on billboards album chart.
Posted by: chad at work | August 07, 2008 at 11:33 AM
It's a great CD! My favorite song is "Time Stand Still".
Posted by: Deborah | August 07, 2008 at 12:32 PM
Bassnote: I just got around to listening to the Rick Springfield playlist you sent me on Imeem. It only has a couple of songs off of the new album, but I really like them.
Posted by: Jeff from Vegas | August 07, 2008 at 12:58 PM
I've been listening to "Warning Shots" and "What's Victoria's Secret?" constantly in the car. I love this cd.
Posted by: Rosa | August 07, 2008 at 01:38 PM
"Elite music writers" "missing the point"? Oh yeah, they're losing big-time sleep dissecting this beaut.
Posted by: Sean Daly | August 07, 2008 at 02:21 PM
Still waiting for YOUR critique of the CD, Mr. Daly.
Too busy preparing for your American Idol Tour review or judging bake-sale contests on the local Fox affiliate?
Posted by: Spears | August 07, 2008 at 02:29 PM
I admit I am one of those eighties fans that doesn't purchase much new music from the 80's bands I once adored. The few times I have, I have been disappointed. I will listen to some samples of the new Rick Springfield CD on iTunes and I will make my decision then. I mean the way everone has been talking up this CD on this site has been unlike any other CD since I have been posting on this blog. Spears where do you rank this amongst all the other 80's bands that had CD releases this year? Is it better than REM? B 52's? I know you hated the new Madonna.
Posted by: Neil | August 07, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Oh sorry about that, here, lemme take another heavenly gulp of the '80s Punch. Mmmmm, wow, yeah, you're right, Spears, every single '80s act IS flawless. I can hear it now. Lost my head there for a second. And I can't wait to record another podcast with you. Oh yeah. Each one of those is like a friggin' dream vacation. Your upcoming interview with the drum tech from Go West is gonna rock. Yay you!
Posted by: Sean Daly | August 07, 2008 at 02:45 PM
I'd put the Springfield CD on par with REM and B-52s. Maybe a little above them.
Each is so unique. REM's was a comeback. B-52's was their first album in forever.
Rick's CD is a great power-pop stuff, if you're into that.
On the other side, if you're more into alternative and new wave, then no -- pass on this.
Posted by: Spears | August 07, 2008 at 02:47 PM
Daly -- you're just bitter, twisted and evil. ... more machine than man now.
I was going to hook up your family with the Disney Channel -- for free -- but you can forget about that now.
Posted by: Spears | August 07, 2008 at 02:48 PM
Excellent! More movie quotes! I never saw that coming.
You want a new quote, Big Man?
As Dean Martin once said to Jerry Lewis: "You're nothin' but a [bleepin'] paycheck to me."
Posted by: Sean Daly | August 07, 2008 at 02:56 PM
Boys! Who p**d in your Funyuns?
Posted by: Michelle | August 07, 2008 at 03:23 PM
A Martin/Lewis smackdown quote -- brilliant. Nothing like going old school...
Posted by: jane | August 07, 2008 at 03:44 PM
Michelle! Perfect timing! Spears had a fit when I showed him the Leg Lamp card you sent me. Total jealous rage.
Posted by: Sean Daly | August 07, 2008 at 03:45 PM
Momma, noooo!
Leg lamp cards are not to incite evil and envy.
They are to spread the soft glow of electric sex.
Posted by: Michelle | August 07, 2008 at 03:51 PM
Electric sex. Finally we're back on topics I can deal with.
Posted by: Spears | August 07, 2008 at 04:10 PM
"One Passenger" and "God Blinked (Swing it Sister)" are sticking with me right now.
Posted by: Michelle | August 07, 2008 at 05:36 PM
I was going to comment about Rick Springfield's CD, but I think I'll come back another day.
Posted by: Marissa | August 07, 2008 at 06:17 PM
NO man has the right to look that damn good at his age! It's just not fair to all the chubby guys out there with receding... Oops, nevermind. ;)
Anyway, the critics can keep on drinkin' that Haterade all they want, as far as Rick Springfield is concerned, but the fact of the matter is, I can't get "Beautiful You" out of my head. It's a gorgeous song written by a gorgeous man.
Kiss my grits, Rick haters. The man has charASma!
Posted by: Six | August 07, 2008 at 06:22 PM
OK, I've decided to comment. Six has spoken. So shall I. By the way, I kept the CD cover open at work a couple of days ago. When I started to feel blue I just checked out his guns. Swooned, regained consciousness and got back to work.
My favorite song on the entire CD is "Oblivious"
Listen to it. You'll understand what I mean.
Posted by: Marissa | August 07, 2008 at 06:37 PM
I am SO glad to see that so many people here like the CD. I had to force myself to stop listening it to after a week. It is such a complete album. I play it straight through, never skipping around. I am surprised that no one has mentioned the title track. It was the first one that I gravitated to. Oblivious is just additive. 3 Warning Shots reminds me alot of shock/denial/anger/acceptance. One Passenger and Time Stands Still tops my list too. And God Blinks...just go buy it!
Posted by: 80sfan | August 07, 2008 at 09:02 PM
Rick will be on the E! show "Chelsea Lately" tomorrow (8/8/08) at 12:00am eastern time.
Posted by: Bassnote | August 07, 2008 at 11:13 PM
He's also on Nightline tonight as well.
Posted by: 80sfan | August 08, 2008 at 09:01 PM
Thanks for the review Steve, we so look forward as fans to Rick's return to the top of the charts! Every song has something great about it. My favorite is Oblivious, love it!
Posted by: JamieLee | August 10, 2008 at 07:15 PM
JamieLee, you have excellent taste. I love that one, as well. There's something haunting about it. Evokes so much emotion. Love-it!
Posted by: Marissa | August 10, 2008 at 08:19 PM
Rick..... What Can I Say. He Is The Man. He's Voice is even better then ever! and what ever he is doing to keep him looking Awesome! is working. He is just like wine.. "the older the wine the finer it becomes"
Kristina-Seminole, FL
Posted by: Kristina | September 09, 2008 at 07:55 PM