Free - Critical Review 1968-1972 (CD)

All Music Guide

Free's immortal 1970 hit "All Right Now" is one of the most played songs in the history of radio. Yet somehow the bluesrock band and its body of work is somewhat ignored outside a few circles of knowledgeable music critics and fans. Paul Rodgers is simply one of the greatest singers in rock history a true singer, not merely a "vocalist." Paul Kossoff was one of the most tasteful guitarists ever, as much for what he didn't play as for what he did play. Bass guitarist Andy Fraser and drummer Simon Kirke held it all together as a formidable rhythm section. Free's influence is discussed on 2003's Inside Free: 19681972 criticalanalysis CD. This is one volume in Classic Rock Productions' CD and DVD series, which features journalists and musicians discussing the work of classic rock giants. Rare live recordings are typically featured on these releases, which are not authorized or endorsed by the artists or their management. The critics and musicians providing sharp insight on Inside Free: 19681972 are Geoff Whitehorn, Robert M. Corich, Pip Williams, Jerry Ewing, Les Davidson, Alan Darby, Tommy Vance, James Gambold, Michael Heatley, and Nigel Cross. (It's hard to tell who's speaking and when on this CD.) Portions of songs used as the basis for discussion include "All Right Now," "Songs of Yesterday," "I'm a Mover," "The Stealer," "I'll Be Creeping," "Mr. Big," "The Highway Song," "My Brother Jake," "Little Bit of Love," and "Wishing Well." Sadly, the volatile story of Free which included bass guitarist Tetsu Yamauchi and keyboardist John "Rabbit" Bundrick in its latter days largely boils down to its implosion and partially unfulfilled potential due to Kossoff's ultimately fatal drug addiction. Rodgers and Kirke would go on to achieve massive mainstream success with the similarly styled Bad Company, but Free was where it all began.

- Bret Adams, All Music Guide