Ric Ocasek
Fireball Zone (Reprise) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
The idea of matching the Cars` icy Ocasek with the tropical R&B talents of co-producer Nile Rodgers (Chic, Madonna, et al.) seems like an odd notion at first-it even did to Ocasek. But the result is a good match. ”Fireball Zone” may not be a masterpiece, but it`s better than any album by the repetitive Cars, easily one of the most overrated bands of the `80s. Lyrically, the erudite Ocasek is disappointing (”You got to keep that dream forever/got to keep that dream alive” is a typical cliche here). But the honest sentiment of ”The Way You Look Tonight” and ”Over and Over” have music to match. ”Rockaway” lives up to its title, and Dan Huff`s guitar work spices up ”Balance.” In all, there are 12 decent reasons for Ocasek to keep the Cars in the garage.
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Excellent (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
Good (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
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Poor (STAR)
