Artist: Faces Album: First Step

Year: 1970
Duration: 0:0-1

A Critical Review of the Album: First Step by Faces

Faces, the British rock band formed in 1969, was a powerhouse of talent at their height. Comprised of Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, Kenney Jones, Rod Stewart, and Ronnie Wood, this group was a sensation in its time. Their debut album, First Step, released in 1970, was a reflection of the times, rising to popularity. Today, I'll be taking a closer look at the album, its genre, its best songs, its innovations, and how it fared with the growing competition.

The genre of First Step album is a mixture of rock and roll, blues, and folk. The album's sound ranges from the piano-driven track Stone, to the upbeat rock and roll of Around The Plynth. Flying showcases Rod Stewart's remarkable voice backed by a soaring orchestra in a ballad about flying. Three Button Hand Me Down is a top-notch blues rock track with excellent guitar riffs and bass grooves.

The album has several stand-out tracks, but Had Me a Real Good Time is arguably the best. It's a funky, groovy track that showcases the band's chemistry. It's a perfect track for a night out dancing and drinking with friends. Another delightful song is Shake, Shudder, And Shiver, Ronnie Lane's preeminent contribution to the album. It is a catchy, upbeat folk tune with amazing piano work by Ian McLagan.

In terms of innovation, First Step did not bring anything groundbreaking to the table. The band's sound was a reflection of what was popular at the time, with no significant departures from traditional rock sensibilities. However, Faces' musical expertise is evident in the incredible musicianship and collaboration evident in every song. This album firmly established the band's reputation for being one of the top rock and roll outfits of its time.

All the same, while First Step was commercially successful, it had some vulnerabilities. The album suffered from inconsistency, with fluctuating songwriting and several plainly forgettable tracks. Nobody Knows and On The Beach are rather dull and unremarkable, and their inclusion detracted from the album's overall quality. Ultimately, First Step was a good starting point for Faces, albeit with some weaknesses.

In conclusion, First Step by Faces was a decent debut album that showcased the band's impressive musicianship and songwriting abilities. With an excellent mix of rock, blues, and folk, First Step is a great listen for anyone who wants to take a journey back to the early days of rock music. Some of the tracks are forgettable, and the album does not bring anything groundbreaking to the table, but Faces' passion and talent shine through. First Step is an enjoyable album for anyone who loves music history and rock music, particularly neo-traditionalists.