Nice to finally have available
IJEFF | Milwaukee, WI USA | 11/23/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Here we have 3 Allan Clarke solo lp's on 1 cd, all of them originally released during the early - mid 1970's. Only "I've Got Time" was originally released in the U.S. Having heard many of these songs for the first time, I must say the real jewel of the package is the 2nd release simply titled "Allan Clarke". Its hard to believe it wasn't released in the U.S. as I do believe it is an overall stronger record than "I've Got Time" which was recorded and released instead. "Allan Clarke" contains some of his best cover songs ever including Springsteen's "If I Were The Priest and Lindsey Buckinghams "Don't Let Me Down Again". Not a weak song in the bunch.
Overall "I've Got Time" is a worthwhile release, but is dragged down by some truly dreadful cover songs lead by Dan Fogelbergs "The Long Way". But, it is extremely good with other cover songs such as Springsteens "Blinded By The Light" which preceded the Manfred Mann cover that was a huge hit in the 70's. Other songs such as "If You Think You Know How to Love Me", "Sunrise" and "If You Walked Away" are very good, too. I think the major problem with this release is it tries too hard to do too many things within the confines of the same record. In contrast, the "Allan Clarke" record is very focused and consistent.
As for the first release, "Headroom", the best thing I can say is the remake of Allan's own "Would You Believe" is an interesting take on a very good Hollies song. I think the rest of the record suffers from a lack of good original material. Many of the songs were written or co-written by Clarke and it seems like his best songs must have been saved for the Hollies around this time.
If you are a Hollies and Allan Clarke fan, I still recommend the purchase of this cd. Too many good moments to be put off by the weaker moments. Plus it is 3 records on 1 cd for a decent price. Overall, I would give this a 3-1/2 star rating, but rounded up because if you just select the best moments from the cd (especially from the 2nd and 3rd releases), you will be more than happy hearing the great Allan Clarke voice performing some excellent songs using production and arrangements that often are quite different from the Hollies."
Allan Clarke
Eriko Sugo | California | 05/01/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Allan Clarke's second, third, and fourth albums compilation is pretty wonderful! Though Clarke's solo works didn't have too many hits, it's still great to listen to especially since he's one of those people who have that distinctive voice. Many people do not listen to Clarke as much because they like The Hollies better (frankly, I like The Hollies better as well), but his solo works are worth listening to!"
The voice of the Hollies is just as great on his own
Mervan Newbold | Boise, ID USA | 05/06/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Being a big Hollies fan, I decided to check out their main frontman's solo offerings. I knew I'd miss their harmonies, but it would be the same style of music, right? Wrong! Allan Clarke decided to break from his Hollies image, and really got into his solo act, recording material that just wouldn't have worked with the Hollies
I was a little disappointed in the first disc. Headroom fits the bill for a good classic rock album but it was too nitty-gritty bluesy for me. The tracks "Who?" and "Shift Lovin' Lady" are his best work there. The next album, Allan Clarke, takes another turn by featuring some soulful female backing singers. This album was much more interesting to me, and Allan really put his raw emotion into it.
Disc two was another matter - I would pay the full price for this disc alone! Many of the tracks seem like showtunes, or something you would hear in the middle or an end of a movie. This album (I've Got Time) could easily be a soundtrack. Much of it reminds me of a more powerful Barry Manilow or Air Supply - that may be a turnoff to some, who would probably call it over-produced. But I found this album much more exciting, and I replay it frequently without tiring of it. His version of "Blinded By the Light" is more edgy and less tiresome than Manfred Mann's. "Light a Light," "If You Walked Away," and "Sunrise," are beautiful love songs. "Hallelujah Freedom" really gets me dancing. "We've Got Time" and "Living in Love" are solid mid-seventies light rock. "The Long Way" is a good ballad. "Finale" is a beautiful instrumental medley of the main themes from 7 of the album tracks.
The powerful work on all three albums should have made Allan Clarke a household name."
Track Listings (18) - Disc #1