Lights Out UFO Artist

Despite a few generic moments, {|Lights Out|} is probably the best studio document of what elevated {|UFO|} above the '70s hard rock fray. Within a Euro-blues framework, the classic lineup that lasted from {|Phenomenon|} through {|Strangers in the Night|} incorporated challenging dynamics, epic balladry, and a more than occasional sensitivity. On {|Lights Out|}, all three of these traits come together in powerful fashion, most notably on the space rocker-cum-ballad {|Love to Love,|} where a ridiculously heavy intro gives way to flourishing poetics. {|Gettin' Ready|} and an oddball {|Love|} cover, {|Alone Again Or,|} also showcase the band's sensitive ambiguities, never compromising the group's overarching hard edge. Not enough can be said either about {|UFO|}'s stand-out individual performances, particularly {|Phil Mogg|}'s street level vocals, which no doubt greatly influenced {|Joe Elliot|} and {|Paul Di'Anno|}. Then, of course, there's the matter of {|Michael Schenker|}'s deservedly lauded lead guitar. Expressive and bluesy with a tone nearing perfection, even the more pedestrian tunes are made worthwhile due to a {|Schenker|} solo. {|Lights Out|} holds up well; its subtleties are worth mentioning because the band always make it a point to rock hard, and the playing is always on. Almost completely overlooked stateside, {|Lights Out|} is a lost gem. ~ Matthew Kantor