Passion

Guitarist Robin Trower enjoyed considerable success in the mid-'70s with his tasteful, Jimi Hendrix-inspired style of blues-rock. The Procol Harum veteran's popularity faded as the 1980s progressed, but Trower generally stayed active. 1987's Passion is interesting because it straddles '70s grittiness and '80s slickness. Trower and his band -- lead vocalist Davey Pattison, bass guitarist/vocalist Dave Bronze, and drummer Pete Thompson -- form a tight, efficient unit. The simple textures provided by guest keyboardists Robert A. Martin and Reg Webb give the songs extra depth. "Caroline" earned a bit of rock radio airplay, and justifiably so, thanks to its hooks and Trower's warm guitar solo; Pattison's singing is reliable, but his voice isn't quite as rich, deep and distinctive as that of James Dewar, Trower's best-known vocalist. "If Forever" is a clean, no-frills ballad, and Trower's guitar solo balances blues and pop. Both "Won't Even Think About You" and "Passion" are melodic hard rock. The soothing instrumental "Night" gives Passion an enjoyable change of pace. ~ Bret Adams