Search - Bernie Taupin :: He Who Rides the Tiger

Great album from a great song writer

Garance A. Drosehn | Troy, NY United States | 03/12/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I always thought that "Approaching Armegeddon" was a great set of lyrics. "On a foreign runway, delayed by the rain, I look back on the last 10 years, and how my life had changed". Written in 1980, this is something of an autobiographical album from Bernie. It didn't sell well at the time, because the record company tried to market it as a Pop album when Bernie himself said it wasn't Pop.For me, the surprise of this album was to find out that Bernie was as good a singer as he is, at least for the kind of songs he did here.Not sure why the review claims this as his third solo album. His first solo album was a record of spoken poems, and I don't think he had any others before this one. Several years *after* this he did "Tribe", and later he also was the center of a group called "Farm Dogs" (who still have a web site, although it hasn't been updated in years).I managed to pick this CD up before it sold out, and the sound quality is excellent. I was glad to get it (even at a rather absurd price), because I had pretty much worn out my vinyl version. This, and "Last Stand in Open Country", are great albums."

Ride the Tiger

Jeffrey A. Gross | Edwardsville, Illinois | 07/26/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"First bought this album when it came out on vinyl. Fantastic musical content. Taupin wrote the lyrics, of course, and also does the vocals, and not too badly. "Born on the Fourth of July" and "Blitz Babies" are the highlights, though there are no bad tracks. Dennis Tuffano, formerly of The Buckinghams, provides the music in splendid fashion. Apparently Alice Cooper offered to do the music, but Taupin was wise enough to go with Tuffano. Taupin did provide the lyrics for Alice Cooper's "From the Inside," which has some very good tracks on the first side of the LP, and "Wish I Were Born in Beverly Hills" on side two. Anyone who bought LP's will understand what "side one" and "side two" means. Kids won't. ;-)

Taupin's trauma, anger, and to some degree, whining, over his divorce is obvious on "Lover's Cross," my least favorite track on the LP. Same theme on "Love, the Barren Desert," but with Elton John's backing vocals, and, again, the excellent music, make it a superior track. The superb electric guitar work, esp. on "Blitz Babies" & "Born on the Fourth of July," make the album / CD worth the cost. My personal favorite is "Approaching Armageddon." It's Taupin's mini-autobiography. Overall, I strongly recommend this collection to anyone who wants an inside look at the lyricist who stands at the peak of the 70's "Classic Rock" glory days."

Lyricist, singer, and more!!!!!!!

Robin Busby | Gratis, Ohio USA | 12/30/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Bernie is one of the best lyricists out there!!! His vocal performance on this cd and "Tribe" show that he is not just a lyric writer, but also someone who loves music. His passion for music has continued on to the formation of the band "Farmdogs". I have a question, however. The previous reviews state that this is either Bernie's second or third solo album. What were his first attempts?Please let me know at: Robin@moonsitter.com
Thank you!!!!"