UFO:- Phenomenon

Release:- 1974
Band Members:- Phil Mogg, Andy Parker, Pete Way, Michael Schenker,
Krillion's Rating:- 71%


The first offering with 'Michael Schenker' on lead guitar after replacing original member 'Mick Bolton'. With the exception of the classic rockers 'Doctor Doctor' and 'Rock Bottom', this is an average affair, as the group don't seem particularly focused and toy between 'Prog', 'Blues Rock' and 'Hard Rock' and only occasionally get it right.

'Oh My' is a good opener with a solid flowing bass line and some nice guitar work, unfortunately lyrically a little simple. 'Crystal Light' is a more acoustic number and very similar to a lot of melodies that will feature on later albums, nicely done but a little slow for my liking. The live favourite 'Doctor Doctor' starts off will a subtle intro that builds into a tasty early head-banger, plenty of harmonised vocals and super rhythm work. 'Space Child' features an interesting medieval lute sounding bridge and solid guitaring. The stand out track for me however is 'Rock Bottom', nothing else comes close, to the brilliant snaking guitar work that flows throughout, its excellently written, well performed, and illustrates the young 'Michael Schenker' at this best, one of UFO's best numbers and a personal favourite. The second half of the album is less inspired, 'Too Young To No' is an average rock song, 'Time on my Hands' sounds like a 'Bob Dylan' track, 'Built for Comfort' is a cover of a dull blues song by 'Willie Dixon'. 'Lipstick Traces' is an inferior instrumental that sounds like a depressed version of the 'Shadows' and 'Queen of the Deep' comes across as awkward, with vocals and production not at their best.

A good first half of interesting numbers, but the second half is a pretty indifferent collection of direction-less tracks. UFO fans will want a copy, but occasional listens are best to opt for the brilliant live album 'Strangers in the Night', which features their best tracks live.

Track Listing:- Oh My, Crystal Light, Doctor Doctor, Space Child, Rock Bottom, Too Young to No, Time on my Hands, Built for Comfort, Lipstick Traces, Queen of the Deep,