Album Grade: C+
Below is the song list of the album, with my comments and grades:
Aphrodisiac
If there was ever a song that celebrated drug-induced free-loving, this is it. "Take an aph-aph-aph aphrodisiac..." Kind of fun. But the callous call for drugs to inspire sex seems out of step with the spirit of Bowwowwow. And let's be fair: With Annabella around, no one would need an aphrodisiac anyway. Grade: B-
Do You Wanna Hold Me?
I love this song! I would put it in the top 5 of all Bowwowwow songs. Not only does it feature some of the catchiest hooks in the band's repertoire, but it's a solid pop song through and through: smooth and pleasing and listenable again and again. I can't believe it didn't chart. Grade: A-
Roustabout
A frenetic little song about Annabella's boyfriend breaking the law and getting sent to the clinker. It sounds forced, like a last-second addition. Really filler. Grade: C
Lonesome Tonight
A pretty standard "broke my heart" love song that cuts against the grain of what Bowwowwow "should" be about. Light and clever? No, deep and dark. I think the band was going the wrong way here. Grade: C+
Love Me
Another unspectacular love ditty that charts no new ground. Mellow love songs are not the Band's strong suit. Grade: C
What's the Time (Hey Buddy)
Now we get to the good stuff! This song returns us to the rapid-fire drumming and vocals that charmed us on earlier albums, and the lyrics' childish enthusiasm only makes the song more of a must-listen. Grade: A-
Mario (Your Own Way to Paradise)
The story of Mario. Boring and nothing new here. Grade: C-
Quiver (Arrow in My)
Annabella ponders self-pleasure in a tipi. A careful listen to the lyrics reveals a few double-entendres that are funny. Not really a catchy song, but it's pleasant enough. Grade: C+
The Man Mountain
A slow, heartfelt song expressing fondness for her special guy. The soft delivery is pleasing, but again I think we're going in the wrong direction here. Grade: C+
Rikki Dee
The story of Rikki Dee, a male prostitute. This song is a little grittier and saucier than most of the album. We actually suspect that Rikki is someone we'd like to meet, if only for a minute. A worthy listen. Grade: B
Tommy Tucker
Another "story song" that is actually pretty good. Tommy Tucker is an orphan who earns his living singing. He finally makes it big. The singing and rhythms are well-developed, and Annabella is helped by a background chorus that effectively fleshes out the song. Grade: B+
Love, Peace, and Harmony
For a song that seems to be a throwaway effort, with just one phrase "love, peace, and harmony," the band does well here. I think with a little more work they could have made it better, too. Grade: B