Description
Manifesto is the sixth studio album by the American pop duo Farrell & Farrell (husband and wife Bob and Jayne Farrell), released on StarSong Records in 1986. The album was recorded by Ron W. Griffin with Carl Marsh and Bob Farrell producing.
A manifesto is a “declaration of intentions, motivations, and views,” a pipe dream which often leads to pipe bombs.
At times, Farrell & Farrell’s brand of techno is all tech, no touch. For the most part, though, this record combines well-crafted formula-pop with modern, agitated electronics. Tasteful string orchestrations provide depth.
The ballads are the best part of this set, perhaps because of their emotional warmth. Jayne Farrell’s rich alto shines through on lead vocals.
It all comes together on «Corazon», a blend of the album’s best features: electronic precision, clear and powerful lyrics, and good vocal performance. It’s helped along by a rowdy drum track and enthusiastic orchestral flourishes. The well-tempered lyrics include some wry internal rhymes.
«Launch Window» sounds a bit too much like Crumbacher’s ‘Fallen Planet‘. «Captain Video» is a didactic jingle for a local appliance boutique. Voltaire once said, “That which is too silly to say, can always be sung.” Or rapped.
The hooks and choruses are consistently strong, although F&F occasionally try to cram a dollar’s worth of lyrics into a nickel’s worth of music. Case in point: the staccato, syllable-counting exercise that passes for a bridge on «Fair Companion».
«Hearts and Minds», a comparison of emotional and intellectual faith, is one of the record’s most enjoyable songs from a musical standpoint. The middle section features a beautiful synth sound, a sort of lovely dulcimer being gently slapped by tiny wooden spoons.
The album closes with «People All Over the World», Farrell & Farrell’s response to the recent outpouring of compassion songs. This ‘Manifesto’ concludes, not with a shout, but a prayer. [Mark Eischer, CCM, February 1987]
> Apple Music (https://music.apple.com/us/album/manifesto/715823247)
LP tracklist:
Side One
A1. “Launch Window” – 4:25
A2. “Captain Video” – 3:35
A3. “Manifesto” – 3:50
A4. “The Possible Dream” – 4:29
A5. “Fair Companion” – 3:35
Side Two
B1. “Corazon (Loving Heart)” – 3:28
B2. “My First Love” – 4:09
B3. “Hidden Agenda” – 4:07
B4. “Hearts And Minds” – 3:30
B5. “People All Over The World” – 5:27
Note: Simultaneously released on cassette, 12-inch vinyl LP, and CD by StarSong Records.
“People All Over The World” (VIDEO)
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