Power

The third solo album by John Hall, the vocalist, guitarist and songwriter who stood at the front of Orleans and was its central figure. Released in 1979, it takes its title from ‘Power,’ the message song he wrote with his wife Johanna. Hall also became a leading organizer of MUSE, the musicians’ anti-nuclear project that followed the Three Mile Island accident in March that year.

Political message songs often have a simple, direct style, but ‘Power’ is an exceptional piece combining melodic richness with poetic beauty. James Taylor and Carly Simon also participate, making it an outstanding highlight. The album as a whole carries the adult-pop texture of its time, with plenty of Hall's lively, soul/fusion-like guitar. It also includes his own recording of ‘Half Moon,’ taken up by Janis Joplin. Though the production is not especially elaborate, his singing and playing are full of sincerity and energy. Its only Japanese CD issue was in 1991; I hope for its return.