Arc of a Diver

After a career with the Spencer Davis Group, Traffic and Blind Faith, Steve Winwood made this second solo album. Its lead single ‘While You See a Chance’ climbed to No. 7 in America; the album sold seven million copies worldwide and became one of his early representative works. At the time, its programmed rhythms and synthesizer-coloured sound led listeners to hear an influence from YMO and to take notice of Winwood's pioneering approach.

In the twenty-first century, however, the striking thing about listening to this album is how supple and clear every melody sounds. Alone, he built a sound through which beautiful tunes reverberate. The title track and the soulful but elegant ‘Slowdown Sundown’ reveal singing full of urban sophistication. Made with analogue synthesizers and a rhythm box, the backing can now sound rather dated; that, conversely, may highlight the magnificence of his voice. A masterpiece of lasting appeal.