The Truth!
02/26/2004
(3 out of 5 stars)
"I was at cdn idol, and let me say that alan Frew's ego is larger than him(i'm only 5'11" and i was like a foot taller than him) his gorgeous wife/manager must get the money(although how much can be left having a hit 18 yrs ago?) anyway, i think '80's bands should stay there, and be regarded now as a novelty. any person who has tried to rekindle their career(corey hart, cydi lauper, inxs(without michael hutchence) have proven themselves to be pathetic has-beens. Sure we all want glory, but once it goes, leave it alone. Whenever former hit-makers try to rekindle the flame by performing their old hits(emphasise on old) they sound maturated, but not in the good way. They should open a business, or produce music, as opposed to trying to relive old glory!"
Superbly Crafted and Emotionally Absorbing
Kelly G. Smith | Niagara Falls, NY USA | 06/17/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This release from Glass Tiger vocalist Alan Frew is a remarkable work of art in its own right, generously supplemented with excellent bonus tracks--Glass Tiger's hit "Someday," the Scottish-themed "My Town" (featuring Rod Stewart) from GT's rare 3rd album Simple Mission and two from Frew's hard-to-find solo debut Hold On including the Canadian number one "So Blind." If Hold On was a warm embrace, Wonderland is more challenging emotionally, and an aesthetically masterful creation vocally, lyrically, and melodically. The songs seem to unfold naturally, yet each is refreshing. The album opens with a gentle, loving invitation--the sadly sweet "Open For A Friend," one of many tracks that show the warmth and appeal of his voice and his subtle and sensitive phrasing. The same can be said for "All I Ever Wanted"--perfectly structured in both verse and chorus. Frew's touching delivery resolves each line beautifully--all the way through to the song's ultimate resolution in the very last, simple word. "A Rose In My Book" is an exquisite reminiscence of lost love that begins with soft, richly textured low notes and ends in a thrilling, archangelic falsetto. As the music fades out, the simple melodic underpinnings of the song tinkle like a sad lullaby--almost as if the song could have been written about the loss of a child rather than a romantic love. And then there's the lyric in the bridge culminating in the ethereal upward-lilting "moon"--I'm not overly sentimental and not at all romantic--but that line gets me every time. "I Could Never Lie To You" features an interesting use of waltz time in a country-flavored rock ballad in which an earthy organ and piano provide effective contrast to the poignant lyric. "Colors Of Friends And Places" is an invigorating foot stomper, and "That's Life" offers a surprisingly effective change of pace from the harmonically lush chorus to the hard-edged ending. "Everything Must Change" is arrestingly beautiful, both in terms of the lyrics as written and the way they are given voice. Here and in other intense moments a slight huskiness develops in Frew's normally clear voice--as in the title track's final almost accusatory "I needed you," creating an affecting undertone of pain and disappointment. The eastern-flavored "Wonderland" is a rich soundscape. The chorus calls to mind the Lennon/McCartney vocal blend, but the verse is like nothing I've ever heard with its strangely intense pushed-out notes and unexpected timing. Wonderland and Hold On both have elements that are Beatlesque in the best sense--reflecting this artist's formation and inspiration. The Celtic influences evident in Glass Tiger and his solo debut are here, but in less traditional form, as in the frenzied fiddle solo in "Lipstick." As an artistically cohesive unit, the album ends after a melodic reprise of "Mother" entitled "Everybody Sing." Despite the defiant lyric it might be considered a solemn note on which to end were it not for the addition of four fine bonus tracks that abruptly change the mood. In terms of quality both Hold On and Wonderland showcase Frew's talent as an accomplished singer/songwriter. I enjoy them from beginning to end without ever feeling the need to skip a track--and I cannot say that about many albums. But Wonderland is strikingly different in mood from the comparatively lighthearted Hold On. The lyrics are more introspective and unguarded. The emotions are varied and complex, expressed through the new colors added to Frew's vocal palette. Wonderland is an impressive stylistic development, in which he moves beyond artistic maturation to aesthetic exploration--all in the context of a superbly crafted "pop" album. Kelly G. Smith"
Wonderful Album
Carol Armstrong | Richmond Hill, Ontario | 04/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Having been a Glass Tiger fan for many years, I was very excited to see Alan Frew back on the scene doing solo albums. His first album "Hold On" was excellent. Just when I thought he couldn't do any better...he did. "Wonderland" is his best work to date. This album has it all.Songs that make you think, songs that make you dance, songs that make you happy, and a few that make you cry. Both lyrically and musically, it exceeded all my expectations. Do yourself a favour and buy this album, you will not be disapointed!"
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1