This fourth album from British legends Supertramp arrived during a prolific and hectic time for the band. The success of their previous album, Crime Of The Century, set expectations high for Crisis? What Crisis, as the band assembled leftover tracks from Crime
, while adding new selections as well.
The quick opener, “Easy Does It,” starts with a field recording before Roger Hodgson’s smooth voice and warm guitar guides a soft vision of prog-rock. “Sister Moonshine” then blends guitars, sitar, flageolet and Bob C. Benberg’s punchy drums with much melody.
Deeper into the first half, “A Soapbox Opera” showcases Rick Davies’ flowing harpsichord and Dougie Thomson’s skilled bass via the rich and dynamic climate, while “Another Man’s Woman” has Davies handling vocals for the more rugged guitar and animated keys of the driving rock delivery.
Side two leads with “Lady,” which recruits a Wurlitzer, synth and organ, in addition to John Anthony Helliwell’s backing vocals, offering rich textures. “Poor Boy” then enlists Helliwell on bass clarinet for this playful and upbeat album highlight.
The last two tracks, “The Meaning” and “Two Of Us,” don't disappoint either. The former has Hodgson playing 12-string guitar, Helliwell’s bright sax and Davies’ synth work in an emotive landscape, and the latter benefits from organ, pump organ, harpsichord, and the moody rhythm section for a dreamy finish.
Though there might have been some pressure to put this album out quickly to capitalize on the success of the previous record, it hardly seems rushed or disjointed. Apparently the band had some honest views on the effort; Hodgson seems to feel it was a slapdash moment, but still considers it one of his favorites.
Now 50 years old, the LP is reissued and uses half-speed mastering at Abbey Road Studios. It’s on 180 Gram Heavyweight Black Vinyl and sounds better than ever.