- Label: 'Think Like A Key Music'
- Genre: 'Seventies'
- Release Date: '30.1.26.'- Catalogue No: 'TLAK 1237'
Our Rating:
Can You Hear Me Ok? Was originally meant to be John Howard's second album on CBS back in 1976, however due to the first single I Got My Lady failing to get any airplay on Radio 1 CBS shelved the album and it only came out in 2006. The album was recorded at Nova Sound Studios Marble Arch, produced by Biddu with orchestral arrangements by Gerry Shury and Pip Williams and has been re-mastered by Prof. Stoned., had I heard this in 1976 or thereabouts I would undoubtedly have hated it, thankfully with the passing of time I can appreciate how well crafted an album it is, while understanding why it didn't get the all-important Radio 1 airplay being a bit too soft rock for 1976.
The album opens with the string section leading into 19th September a downhearted piano ballad full of heartbreak, while hopes that his love can keep you warm if you will allow him to include you in his plans for the future. Frightened Now by the prospect of being single, abandoned by the one he loves, the strings gently caressing his sad lament. Two People In The Morning has some delightful cornet playing for the Two Lovers who wake up together and then go their separate ways another fling over.
You Keep Me Steady helping him to not go too far off the rails, his love for you is strong enough to make him pledge fidelity to you. Finally Adored no matter how many pills and powders you take to make you feel ok, all the things your controlling manager makes you do, from losing weight to changing your style, anything to get that fame that eludes you, the orchestral arrangement makes it sound like it should be backing a scene in a late 50's film about making it big.
The albums title track Can You Hear Me Ok? Asks his lover all sorts of questions, in the hope of getting the right answers to serenade them under the soft candlelight. You're Mine Tonight so give in and let John spoil you rotten, while he seduces you with soft orchestral pop, red wine candles and some woodwind in among the strings helping you to relax with him and enjoy the good life, don't worry he is far more Tom than Gerry.
Missing You is a slow piano ballad since you left him behind and moved on, he still dreams of kissing you and making love to you one more time, but it isn't too be. Play Me A Love Song is saccharine enough that Donny Osmond could have turned this into a hit. He begs and pleads for that love he needs to last forever, but is over in the blink of an eye, you may be able to read his mind but apparently don't want to stick around till eternity.
The original album closed with the single I Got My Lady a soft rock song of love and hope for the lovers who need to be couched in strings and the beauty of life. The first of the bonus songs is Hurricane Smith's Is This My Love it's ready for cuddling up on the sofa with some red wine and the one you love.
The next three bonus songs were produced by Trevor Horn, Stay (Something Good) is not the best song called Stay from 1976, this is far more Gentle than David Bowies over wrought classic, while the relationship is falling apart, they are at the begging and pleading stage, long sustained string notes add emphasis to the sadness he feels.
You Take My Breath Away is hushed words of love and appreciation for that special someone, the falsetto is almost Bee Gee's high, with some very George Benson style guitar. Baby Go Now has the gentlest organ playing, while she has decided to go, he wants to make love once more to convince her to stay.
Chris Rainbow produced Staying At Home Kinda Guy that has John in that mood, that means he can’t get up the energy to go out and do anything at all, all his girlfriends have moved on, because he doesn't go out having fun and games anymore, so he thinks he'll go get drunk with his neighbour instead.
The album closes with the live version of I Got My Lady recorded for The Musical Time Machine TV programme in December 1976, this feels slightly less over the top than the single version, he is still ecstatic that you are his lady.
Find out more at https://www.thinklikeakey.com/release/570779-john-howard-can-you-hear-me-ok-2026-prof-stoned-remaster https://kidinabigworld.bandcamp.com/album/can-you-hear-me-ok-2026-prof-stoned-remaster https://www.facebook.com/johnhowardsingersongwriter
