Customer Reviews
Not the poor relation it is often made out to be - By: Magic Rat, 29 May 2007 
Popularly, "Siren" is seen at the final nail in the coffin of "Roxy Music - innovative art school band". It has received its fair share of critical brickbats since its release in late 1975. Listening to it again, I feel it has been somewhat unfairly lambasted. Indeed, in my opinion, I view "Siren" as a second cousin to "Stranded", with Edwin Jobson's electric violin to the fore, far more so than its predecessor, "Country Life". On "Siren" we have an appealing mix of practicallly perfect pop & laid back lounge bar lizardry. "Country Life" was far edgier, far more bombastic in many ways and, if anything, just a little more directionless.
Here we have great singles in the iconic "Love Is The Drug" & the sumptuous "Both Ends Burning". Both these tracks successfully made the crossover & received airplay at discos, something quite unusual for a "glam" or a "rock" group at th time. "Whirlwind" is "Serenade", "Editions Of You" & "All I Want Is You" revamped, while "She Sells" & "Could It Happen To me" are upbeat, rocky numbers keeping the mood fresh. The longer tracks, "Sentimental Fool" & the magnificent "Just Another High" feature the trademark brooding introspection & experimentation of the early albums, while "The End Of The Line" is Ferry at his vocal best. "Nightingale" is a bit of a throwaway, but there always was one such track on each offering. Even so, its not that bad, check out the electric violin/bass interplay in the song's closing stages.
Many seem to feel Roxy were just going through the motions here, as the first split neared. Maybe they were, but they were some smooth, highly professional motions & well worth one's time & pleasure, even now. This album was effortless in its execution. At times it veers on perfection. Certainly less spontaneous & inventive than those heady, madcap early efforts, but very accomplished alll the same.
Roxy on a High - By: Zalfunk, 13 Feb 2007 
Love Is the Drug kicks off the album in terrific style with a great intro & signposts the lead bass line theme which underpins alll the tracks on this excellent album.
End of the Line is a slow lament with a strong piano melody & heartfelt vocals surrounded by bass with punchy drums throughout. The fade to finish is very apt.
Sentimental Fool is loaded with Eno's synths at the start & is a good example of vintage Roxy.
Whirlwind is an up-tempo romp with classic Ferry wailing on top.
She Sells is a slightly strange combination of violin strings & on offbeat tempo which changes a few times to great effect.
Could It Happen to Me? is a highpoint. Ferry's vocals give a slightly haunted feel & the musical arrangement matches this. The song moves through some changes in pace ending up as a tour de force.
Both Ends Burning keeps things on a high with a great, swirling tune & strong vocal.
Nightingale has an excellent intro that kicks in the groove & never reallly lets up.
Just Another High is a stunning finish to the album. The distorted guitar intro & a well delivered Ferry vocal with a great punchy drum roll kicks off the song & sets the scene. The chorus delivers & sways with bags of style & is the icing on a fine cake.
Best track (s) : End of the Line, Could It Happen to me? Just Another High
Best left : None
Overalll, 9 great songs, drenched in Ferry style & delivered in a tight & competent manner by a band putting down the best of what they can do, with ease. Quality.
A strong band feel despite the imminent split. - By: , 13 Apr 2000 This was Roxy's fifth album & their last before their initial split & it kicks off with the highly commercial 'Love Is The Drug', which is, of course, about sex, not love. Thereafter it combines rock & country elements to form what is largely a melancholy album, delivered with the utmost skill, particularly on the eerie 'Sentimental Fool' ("the knowing of fate is cruel, you ought to forget it") & the epic closer, 'Just Another High' which, in the Britpop era, would have blown the opposition out of the water. 'Whirlwind' packs a punch & 'Both Ends Burning' demonstrates the true class of Andy Mackay on saxophone & Phil Manzanera on guitar (although he did it even better live). Although not as inventive as their early albums, this is my favourite prior to their first split as I can empathise with it, but then, as Bryan Ferry sings, 'I'm just another crazy guy'.
