ROGER DALTREY
Under a Raging Moon
Atlantic Records 1985
www.thewho.com

What’s the 4-1-1?
Anyone that knows me knows that I am a geek for 80s melodic rock. Anything that's over produced with lots of melody and synthesizers is right up my alley. I actually found this album by accident. I'm not really a big fan of The Who, so I wouldn't even consider a Roger Daltrey solo album. However, it seems that Daltrey shed the raw, 70s rock sounds of his band, and embraced the hot sounds of the 80s era for his fifth solo outing. Some would call this selling out, but that's subjective.

"After the Fire" has an 80s soundtrack feel that is dominated by haunting keyboard tones and repetitive lyrical hooks. Emotions run high on "Don't Talk to Strangers;" a title that was way overused back in the day. "Move Better in the Air" is chock full of driving rhythms and passionate vocals. "Love Me Like You Do" is a tender ballad that is ripe with deep admiration for the woman that is still with Daltrey despite his flaws. Of course "Let Me Down Easy" kind of contradicts the later lyrical statements, but still packs some great rock melodies.

"If it Don't Satisfy Me" is a bluesy guitar rocker with some soulful harmonica thrown in for good measure. "Under a Raging Moon" is a tribute to Daltrey's longtime friend Keith Moon. As expected the track focuses on drum patterns akin to Moon's playing style. The song is both powerful and touching.

The Verdict
A couple of the songs just don't work, but there a very few so you can get through them. Under a Raging Moon is the epitome of high production values, strong melodies, and uncomplicated lyrics. If the melodies don't grab you, than the vocal hooks will.

Did You Know?
Roger Daltrey appeared as a murderer in a 2007 episode of CSI. And if you don't know, The Who supplies the shows theme song (and the CSI spin-offs).

Rating: out of 5

--George Dionne