There’s two ways you can look at an album like Frenzy! The 50th Anniversary Collection when you plan to review it – either as an album for fans of Normie Rowe‘s music or as an opportunity to expand his music base. Whichever way you look at it, he’s music royalty with an amazing career behind him that most artists could only dream of. For that alone, he deserves the utmost respect.
As someone who wasn’t alive during Normie’s career-peak, it’s difficult to review this album without having any clear idea of what the songs used to sound like when they were first recorded – except for what I’ve seen/heard of YouTube. I can only imagine that his days were as crazed as I was with Hanson in the 90s and/or how teens are nowadays with One Direction.
I’ve been listening to this album for a couple of days now to see how it rates in playability and to be honest, I really had to push myself to keep listening. It’s not that I don’t like the album, I like it a fair deal, it’s just that I like a lot of other stuff better. Yes, the album is clearer, brighter and refined but the songs still have that old-fashioned sound of the 60s, so I’m unsure if it’ll bring in a younger audience, which I find such a shame because some of these songs have potential to be liked by many people who weren’t previously aware of his work.
The problem being, it really is an album for fans. I wonder if the album would have been better re-recorded in a new way – either live or as Bon Jovi did with This Left Feels Right album. Although, purists won’t find anything except the original to be perfection – and that’s okay too.
Damned if you do. Damned if you don’t. That’s why I like to think this is an thank you album for all the fans who has supported Normie’s 50 year career. Even the album cover is a good indication of that nod to the past.
This album messes with my head as it’s hard to imagine a then young Normie Rowe after seeing him perform these songs live only just last month. I almost want to defend him because he reminds me so much of my Grandpa – and I mean that in the most affectionate of ways. I’m about 40-odd-years younger than the average fan – but despite all that, this album has a generous 30-track listing and I’ve found a new favourite in “It Ain’t Necessarily So”.
If you are a fan of music from the 60s, I’d recommend giving this album a listen. If you’re a fan of Normie’s work, it is then well worth the listen too. Gil Matthews of Aztec Music has beautifully remastered the tracks on the album. I can’t fault its production at all.
Normie’s a lovely man with a big heart. There’s no ego there. He loves his fans as much as they love him back. There’s mutual respect and affection there and, at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter what I say – I’ve seen how much the fans still adore him and that makes me happy. I hope I still have as much love from artists from my childhood 50 years after their first single. I look forward to 2047 when I’m dancing to “Mmmbop” with my walking frame!
The album is nostalgic. It’s history. It’s magic. And it’s a treat for loyal fans. Enjoy it fans, you’ve more than earned this!
Review Score: 7.2 out of 10.
Frenzy! The 50th Anniversary Collection is out now.
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