Since it's release this album has recieved a mixed reaction
and continues to divide fan opinion. Blondie however, have
never been content to merely be pop-punk hitmakers and
nothing else ("Attack Of The Giant Ants", "Victor" or "Cautious
Lip" anyone?).
Until 1999's "No Exit", "Autoamerican" was Blondie's most
diverse album. Right away the album takes a different
direction with Chris Stein's moody futuristic classical piece
"Europa". The rest of the album takes in show tunes ("Here's
Looking At You"), reggae ("The Tide Is High" originally by The
Paragons), jazz (Debbie's composition "Faces") and ends
with "Follow Me" from the musical "Camelot".
Deborah Harry and Chris Stein's "Rapture" was a pioneering
rap hit. Debbie's rapping is flawless, her harmonising verses
are seductive and the song ends with the coolest guitar
solo ever. Nigel Harrison's co-penned "T-Birds" is breezy and
Debbie gives an alternate take on history. I love guest
Wa Wa Watson's wah wah guitar on the soaring "Live It Up"
(which comes out even more in the extended disco mix, sadly
not included in this reissue).
Jimmy Destri scores as always with album tracks. "Angels On
The Balcony" is one of Blondie's finest album tracks, has a
great guitar solo in the middle and should have been a single.
"Walk Like Me" is a punky garage number about anti-conformity
and has a great marching bassline, twangy guitar and growly
vocals in that way that only Debbie can do properly.
It may not have the instant appeal of the first four albums
but after a few listens it can prove a rewarding experience
and really grow on you. Blondie managed to experiment
artistically and deliver some hit songs at the same time.
Long term fans of course will have spotted the lyrical link
between "Walk Like Me" and the 1999 hit single "Maria" (also
by Destri).