JEFFERSON STARSHIP – Winds Of Change [Friday Music Deluxe Edition remastered]

Here’s another request: JEFFERSON STARSHIP and their double pack release ”Freedom At Point Zero + Winds Of Change” remastered by Friday Music. The long time out of print “Winds Of Change” has received a pristine sound treatment, the best version of this album you can find out there.
“Winds Of Change” marks the return of Grace Slick, sharing the lead vocal duties with Mickey Thomas.
Produced by Kevin Beamish (REO Speedwagon’s No. 1 album Hi Infidelity), this is the first album by Jefferson Starship to embrace the true American AOR sound from the early ’80s, at places not far from REO Speedwagon indeed, but also early Journey and alike.
However, Jefferson Starship still retains its trademark songwriting and arrangements that made them so special.

There’s some rocking FM radio-ready tightly written and exuberantly crafted tunes on this album, starting with title track “Winds of Change”, a classic Jefferson Starship song in my book. Gracie Slick’s voice never sounded better, or more powerful and lambent in this track which builds to a climactic crescendo of guitars and her clarion vocal chords.
“Keep on Dreamin” was very minor hit single suitable either for AOR or hit radio. It possesses an infectious quality about it which ends up making it irresistibly hummable.

One of my favorites is “Out Of Control”, which makes justice to its title. It’s a bit experimental and bold; brash and hard driving; rocking and contagious. Certainly a unique creative departure, and a welcomed addition to Jefferson Starship’s collection.
“Can’t Find Love” is a light progressive gold nugget in a true classy Jefferson Starship fashion. Craig Chaquico’s guitars truly rock here, upfront and hot, as happens as well in “Black Widow”.
On the other hand, “Be My Lady”, the other single from the record is much more laid back with a midtempo cadence and very nice harmonies.

“Winds Of Change” is a ‘very ’80s’ album from arrangements to production, a hint from things to come for the band and the consequent evolution to the hit-maker Starship banner.
It’s a slick, quite rocking at places record still impregnated with Jefferson’s classic style but definitely AOR oriented.
Very good Friday Music remaster on this much needed, long time out of print record.
Highly Recommended

01 – Winds of Change
02 – Keep On Dreamin’
03 – Be My Lady
04 – I Will Stay
05 – Out Of Control
06 – Can’t Find Love
07 – Black Widow
08 – I Came Back From The Jaws Of The Dragon
09 – Quit Wasting Time

Mickey Thomas – vocals
Grace Slick – vocals
Craig Chaquico – guitars
David Freiberg – vocals, bass, keyboards, synths
Paul Kantner – vocals, rhythm guitar
Pete Sears – bass, keyboards, synths, piano
Aynsley Dunbar – drums, percussion

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www.amazon.com/Freedom-Point-Zero-Wind-Change/dp/B005HPA4D6