Under the Influence

Description

Under the Influence is the sixth studio album by the British singer and songwriter Garth Hewitt, released in the UK on Marshalls in 1981. Released on Pilgrim America in the US the following year, distributed by The Benson Company, re-titled A Change In Me and featuring new cover artwork. The album was recorded by Nick Smith at Rock City in Shepperton, England; with Tom ‘Razor’ Blades producing and arranging. Backing vocals provided by Network 3 (Mo McCafferty, Annie McCaig, and Paul Field). All songs written by Garth Hewitt.

The title track was also recorded by Cliff Richard and released as the flip-side of his 1982-single, The Only Way Out. “Under the Influence” was as well included on Cliff’s gospel compilation, Walking in the Light.

Having established himself as a skilful songwriter and cultural observer in the Christian scene in the ’70s, Garth was signed by Cliff Richard to his newly formed Patch Records in 1979 with a view to launching him into the mainstream. That debut pop album ‘Did He Jump‘ didn’t do much so the pop journey continued with this album recorded for the long defunct Pilgrim Record label. Backed by a top band of sessioners and backing singers, some of this comes off and frankly a lot of it doesn’t because no matter how you dress him up, Hewitt doesn’t seem to suit this big production while his somewhat odd vocal mannerisms clash with the smooth musicianship. Having said that, this 1981 oldie does have its moments. The title cut is full of strong playful songwriting and «Record Of The Weak» is a powerful pointer towards the future social conscious direction of his songwriting. «It’s Good To Have A Fat Friend (When Times Are Wearing Thin)» is a rollicking rock’n’roller which shows off the guitar skills of his producer Tom Blades. «Somebody Calls Your Name» features the same bluesy honky tonk sound that permeates most of this album while elsewhere Hewitt touches on balladry, country music stylings and pop soul, but he never seems to sound comfortable. [Mike Rimmer, Cross Rhythms, May 2010]

LP tracklist:

Side One
A1. “Under The Influence” – 2:45
A2. “Love Can Overcome” – 4:25
A3. “It’s Good To Have A Fat Friend (When Times Are Hard)” – 3:05
A4. “Record Of The Weak” – 3:35
A5. “The Champion” – 3:35
A6. “I’m Not” – 3:15

Side Two
B1. “Somebody Calls Your Name” – 3:40
B2. “A Future And A Hope” – 3:35
B3. “When The Joking Has To Stop” – 3:15
B4. “A Change In Me” – 2:45
B5. “Take It By Storm” – 2:50
B6. “The One For All” – 3:55

Note: Simultaneously released on cassette and 12-inch vinyl LP by Marshalls.