I've been listening to the Clapton/Winwood & a couple old Traffic live shows as of late & have been reminded how much I used to like Winwood in Traffic & also in Blind Faith.

Other then 1 song (When You See a Chance), I've never enjoyed Winwood's solo albums. The first couple bored me, & after the 80's pop garbage of Back in the High Life I just gave up, & haven't heard anything he's done since other then benefit concerts (arms, etc)

My ? is: Is there an SW solo album that would likely just bowl me over to the point where I'd likely think I'm listening to a truly great record? I'm not looking for an album that's tolerable, but a great one.

Is there such an album?

Geff,

I think "About Time" and "Nine Lives" are really good, but I don't know if they will bowl you over. I really liked "About Time" in particular, but haven't listened to it for a couple years.

Mate

Get the Winwwod 4CD Box Set released about 10 years ago, I love it !

This has all his best stuff by far. Plus the 2 solo CDs mentioned above.

I second (or third) the motion on About Time.

I've got the box, bought it for the Spencer Davis, Traffic & Blind Faith when it came out.

I've been a Winwood fan for a long time, and I think he's yet to make a really good solo record.I like much of the last two, and a few things from Arc Of A Diver, but I think Back in the High Life, which you don't like, was his best.
I've been waiting for him to make that knockout solo album.
I love the new Clapton/Winwood record.

The newest one had a couple of great tracks. Still nothing to touch Traffic/Blind Faith.

By your responses, I'm coming to the conclusion (to paraphrase Lily Allen), the problem is indeed Winwood, not me.

Yah, I think you'll find many who feel that if you didn't like "Back in the High Life," then forget it. (You liked "When You See A Chance," but that one bored me.) He's had other critical successes along the way, but nothing that will satisfy your 35-year wait for that brilliant, ethereal solo effort. You didn't mention Traffic's 1994 album "Far From Home" which doesn't necessarily sound like Traffic or a Steve Winwood solo album since it was more of a duo album with Capaldi. It was pleasant and I liked much of it, reasonably well, but again, not the super gem you'd wish for.

HOWEVER, you might want to give a listen to Warren Zevon's version of "Back In the High Life" on the "Life'll Kill Ya" album. WZ rarely did a cover, so this one is kind of special. He makes it his.

Geff, I think we had this discussion when you asked for reviews before buying Prince's new album. Did I just read you say that you want US to tell you which Winwood album is "a truly great record"? I just don't get it. You're wanting somebody else to tell you what a truly great record is. A truly great record is one that you think is truly great, not one that I think is. "Back In The High Life" is a truly great record to me and you are on record as saying it's garbage. I'm sorry, again, I just don't get it. People in here are saying Lady Gaga is the new Madonna and worth your time and money. Have you loaded up on Lady Gaga now? I think she's horrible and if she was in my bathroom appearing live and I had to throw up, I'd go look for another place. Part of the joy of music is discovering it yourself, not being told what to listen to.

Nope, JD just looking for opinions. From my time here, I have found there are some folks that have similar tastes in music to I, & some have turned me on to some pretty great music.

Sorry if you don't get it; but I do agree with you that I have no plan to check out Ms Ga Ga.

i really like his first solo album, no radio hits, much more traffic-like IMHO.

IAWTP. Hold On, and Time Is Running Out are really nice songs, and the entire self-titled album is good listening (but it takes awhile to sink in, give it some time).

If you liked While You See A Chance, you might also like his next release, the "Talking Back To The Night" album, but good luck finding it on CD.

I seem to recall reading that "John Barleycorn" was actually supposed to be WInwood's first solo album, but it morphed into a Traffic reunion. Still my favorite Traffic album.

The boxed set is excellent. It pointed me toward his first solo album, which I now think is his best. That and Back In The High Life are my faves.

I think I've got 'em all. I really love About Time & really like Nine Lives. There's a little less structure & longer jam-type grooves on these 2 newest ones. If you're not anti- Dual Disc, that version of About Time is especially great as it has a killer live version of Dear Mr. Fantasy on the live side. The one I want to sell is Junction Seven - truly awful to my ears. Arc of a Diver & Back in the Life I really like but haven't listenend to 'em in a long time.

Stay far away from "Traffic's" Far From Home.

I've heard it & I agree with you.

Finally found a cheap copy of Nine Lives. I like it. Not as good as classic Traffic, but not bad at all.

I love the new Steve Winwood box, upgraded remastering and with 4 discs it covers alot of ground.

Rick A.

the dual-disc version has three bonus cuts, including a killer "voodoo child".

I could listen to the following all day! (The avatar doesn't represent "boo hoo" but rather the musical bridge in "Back In The High Life" at 2:49)



Although I prefer Winwood's version, the late Warren Zevon's cover is haunting:

Renny,

I just discovered that a 2-CD version was released in the UK that includes "Voodoo Chile" on Disc 2:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0001E8D22/?tag=imwan-21

Disc 1
1. Different Light
2. Cigano (For The Gypsies)
3. Take It To The Final Hour
4. Why Can't We Live Together
5. Domingo Morning
6. Now That You're Alive
7. Bully
8. Phoenix Rising
9. Horizon
10. Walking On
11. Silvia (Who Is She?)

Disc 2
1. Dear Mr Fantasy
2. Why Can't We Live Together
3. Voodoo Chile