Judith B. (butchpoodle) from EL SOBRANTE, CA Reviewed on 2/10/2007...
Jimmy Page at his best!
CD Reviews
Quality 80's Rock n' Roll
J. McPhee | Tacoma, WA USA | 02/17/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"You know, I really despise people who write reviews about bands who can't seem to retrieve the past or what they've done in the past. Sure, you can't deny the greatness of Bad Company or Led Zeppelin, but the Firm, Mean Business, was a fantastic album. If you dig Jimmy Page or Paul Rodgers and you want to hear something newer than Led Zep or BC, give this album a shot. I loved it and have enjoyed it for almost 20 years."
Not as good as their debut, but still excellent.
Ryan | Circleville, OH USA | 06/21/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"It's 1986 and The Firm has released their 2nd and (sadly) their final album. Mean Business sounds alot different than its predecessor. The first seemed more melodic and meaningful, and Mean Business seems more serious, and directionless. That's not totally bad, because sometimes directionless can be fun. That's quite the prize on this gem. Too bad this had to be the last, because The Firm was a good group while they lasted.
Fortune Hunter - Upbeat rocker about the life of gambling, the changes in the song make it a surprising one.
Cadillac - I liked this one alot because it's very dark, Rodgers has great moments on this, and Page's guitar sliding highlight this.
All The King's Horses - A synth-dominated classic written by Rodgers. This was excellent because of the chords, as well as the chorus.
Live In Peace - Definitely more musically arranged than Rodgers' version. Rodgers' piano, and Page's solo make this a Firm classic.
Tear Down The Walls - My favorite song of the Page/Rodgers written songs. This was a really fun song, and Rodgers gives a superb vocal performance.
Dreaming - A fine composition written by Franklin. The best part is the chorus and Page's playing. Probably one of my least favorite songs on here.
Free To Live - The opening riff should tell how awesome this song is. The chorus is sweet and the solo Page plays is perfect.
Spirit Of Love - Probably my least favorite Firm song, it sounds a little too "Adult Contemporary" for their hard-rock standards.
And after that, it's basically all over."
Thick and Rich
dc777 | Austin, Texas United States | 11/10/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This set is somewhat different than The Firm. Here you will find a thick and rich cords and a somewhat slower "mood" here. I particularly liked "Cadillac" which is bluesy, almost progressive in a sence. I like the rework of "Live In Peace" which you will find on "Cut Loose" by Paul Rodgers. I think the solo on "Live in Peace" is Pages best since "Stairway"...please withold the stones! The set ends with a "spiritual" called "Spirit Of Love". I don't find a bad song on this set. It's a real shame these guys didn't record on last cd."
TREMENDOUSLY UNDERRATED
Ace Jones | Singapore | 09/20/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For anyone suffering Led Zep (or Bad Co.) withdrawal symptoms in the mid 80s, the Firm wasn't quite the answer, but upon repeated listening - Mean Business is probably Jimmy Page's best post-Zep effort. Punchy yet atmospheric with the bluesy vocals of Paul Rodgers, I do admire how these guys actually tried to produce a pretty serious album - and in spite of less than a stellar response - this album stands the test of time. Page would later play some of these tracks live - "Tear Down the Walls" is particularly nice. And "Fortune Hunter" rocks. A progressive album that is underrated and worth exploring."
Nice work
kambo | Sydney, Australia | 11/28/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Over time,I've tended to appreciate this album a little more
than the 1st,self-titled album.The singles (All the king's Horses & Live in peace - kind of Bad Co/Run with the pack
circa '86) are 2 good songs.My Faves are Dreamin' & Free to live. Good Rock album,reflecting that era. Both Firm albums