"I have been a die-hard Fixx fan for many years; listening to Reach the Beach album brings back memories of entering college in '82. This album is a solid entry for the band. Yes, I know it lacks the energy and punch of their great albums like Beach and Shuttered Room, but my tastes have matured and softened over 20 years...I don't really want them to try to "swing for the fences" with more tunes like Zero and Stand or Fall. I want creative lyrics, solid bass and guitar blended with catchy synth sounds, and most of the tracks on this album deliver. The best tunes are Touch, Are you Satisfied, Want that Life. You can throw-out Hollywood ending and a couple others. But this is a solid effort and I'm glad the band is still cranking it out after all these years. After seeing them live this past summer I've really come to appreciate Cy's voice and Jamie's awesome guitar talents.
I know this albut and any future releases will never make the top 40 or even get any air play, but in our current environment of rap and other garbage music, The Fixx is REAL music to my ears! Keep it coming guys!"
Want that CD!
george j. aber jr. | marion, ohio USA | 06/15/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Hey Music fans!! Rejoice that the FIXX are here to stay! What a wonderful CD full of life and great tunes! From the hypnotic "touch" to the classic sounding "Roger and out", By far One of the Best new CD's of the year...and Probably ranks as one of the best Fixx CD's Ever! I recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the 80's to people looking for updated, and Fresh material...this one is worth the effort! Buy it, and Spread the good news!"
Still Strong
Carl Mack | Palm Springs, CA United States | 10/26/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Fixx are still going strong over 20 years after thier debut release. While this will certainly not bring them back to the popularity they once enjoyed it certainly should but the industry being what it is today it doesn't really stand a chance because it is well-crafted, meaningful music. Let me run down the cuts for you:1. Touch- touches of funk pepper a pop love song. Grabs you right away.2. You Don't Have To Prove Yourself- Think "One Thing..." but mellower and more melodic. The best song on the c.d.3. Are You Satisified?- A Bit plodding and too long. Still a decent song.4. Want That Life- Excellent title track, very hummable.5. We Don't Own The World- 2nd best song. Touches of World Music. If you like XTC's "Were All Light" you will love song.6. No Hollywood Ending- Mellowist song of the bunch. Somewhat dark and brooding underneath the surface. A little too long7. Staright Round the Bend- Good song, sounds a little familar but cannot put my finger on it.8. Roger and Out- Think "Make No Plans" but a bit mellower9. Taking the Long Way Home- Hmmm, sounds a lot like "Precious Stone". Still a good cut.10. Way to end it. Sounds like nothing the Fixx have ever done before. Gerry Rafferty style saxes brings it home.All in all some songs venture into familar territory but the Fixx remain vital and creative and Cy's voice has never sounded better and he puts his usual heartfelt emotion into each song. Not bad for a band that has been around 20 years."
Not stuck in a rut
Bash | San Francisco, CA USA | 06/27/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"The Fixx are still vital and creative, not a CD stuck on repeat. On Want That Life, you'll find the probing look at life's joys and ills you'd expect from The Fixx, showcased in a warmer, more introspective musical style. Standout tracks are Touch, You Don't Have to Prove Yourself, and Roger and Out, with the others being songs well worth repeated hearings.
It amazes me when people complain that "they don't sound just like Reach the Beach". If they did, the same people would complain that they DO. Over their 25 years, The Fixx have evolved - anyone who sees them live (they tour the US at least 3 times a year) knows they still rock. But like most artists who have integrity, they aren't content to repeat themselves just because they had some hits. This is a band that turned down several increasingly lucrative offers to appear on Hit Me Baby One More Time, because they believe the show doesn't allow them to showcase their true abilities. To lip sync to a clip of their hit, then have to do someone else's song as their live performance doesn't cut it. They aren't about pandering to an audience the same age as their kids - they're about making their own music.
Be fair to The Fixx - give this CD a chance on its own merits. It doesn't sound like Reach the Beach, but it does sound like The Fixx and it's really strong stuff. And if you catch them on the road, you might be lucky enough to hear some of their newest songs, not yet recorded in studio: "Everyone Believes" is features a gorgeous melody sung by Cy Curnin, then repeated to stunning effect by Jamie West-Oram with his usual perfect choice of tone, creating a floating effect augmented by Rupert Greenall's keys. "Remember Me When I'm Gone" will erase anyone's doubt that The Fixx can still rock out - this one drives straight ahead with a great tempo and harmonies. Check out www.thefixx.com for tour dates."
Pleasantly surprised!
J. Sumner | laguna niguel, ca United States | 12/17/2003
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I'm a casual Fixx fan who last bought 'Calm Animals' back in '89. Not even knowing the band still existed I caught them on a recent tour and picked up the new disc after the show. First of all, do yourself a favor and see the Fixx live. The band is nothing short of amazing live. If I'm not mistaken, 4 of the 5 original members are still in the band. The new album is obviously more mature than their earlier work while still retaining the signature Fixx sound. There are at least a few top 40 hits here but sadly radio stations today would never take notice of such a quality release. Want that Life easily makes my top five of 2003. If you enjoyed any of the old Fixx songs, pick this album up. It will not dissapoint."