314 of 1001 Albums: Roxy Music's Country Life

So the original cover didn't just have a shrub on it, but nipples don't appeal to everyone who visits this blog so the censored cover is featured. If you want to see the original cover it can be found at Wiki. After hearing the rough start of their 1972 debut, and then hearing their positive growth in For Your Pleasure, Roxy Music once again makes an album that shows they only get better with time in Country Life. While still very much art rock, they make it sounds more like a piece of art that stays consistent.

Bryan Ferry always had a good voice, but this album highlights more than any of the past ones have. "A Really Good Time" is when he almost goes into David Bowie mode as far as sound. "Prairie Rose" is supposed to be an ode to Texas, and it makes a good one. From the start it is a really fun song to listen to, and is a good way for the guys to end the album. Phil Manzanera is good on the guitar all the way throughout the album with very memorable moments.


Going back to the beginning though you thankfully discover this will be a good one upon listening to "The Thrill of it All" at the beginning, which shows the band trying to showcase a style that would be popular throughout the album. "Three and Nine" is also good, but not as strong as the start, but you quickly dive back into the stronger songs like "All I Want Is You". These guys sort of showcase they are rock stars with their lyrics though. They mostly sing about the fun, and if you were down after listening to Robert Wyatt, then you can put in some Roxy Music for music that wants to showcase a little bit of a better time.

If you like the combo of keyboards, synthesizers, drums, and guitar then this album builds upon what would become a huge trend very soon after 1974 in that department. At this time it was still very much rock still, and let more of the instruments shine than just the electronic ones. These guys liked to sing about women, their girlfriends in particular. The album does a good job of delivering what to expect from a more "together" Roxy Music. There isn't ever a point where you get something that seems out of character from the band. They also make sure to show off a lot of musical talent.

Rating 4 of 5.