--More Than This opens the album with a dreamy atmosphere that sets the tone for what is to come. Bryan Ferry’s emotive vocals, combined with the rhythm and shimmering synthesiser-driven soundstage arguably date the song, yet it still sounds fresh and is, subsequently, a timeless classic. It’s classic rock at its very best!
--The Space Between flows perfectly from More Than This as the gap between the songs is enough that the style differences don't present as a jolt to the senses. The Space Between adds further musical intrigue to Avalon and while it is an album-only track, it’s one of the best songs Roxy Music ever recorded. Every musical aspect was carefully considered and Andy Mackay’s saxophone playing takes the song to another level entirely and is the real highlight here, that is until you factor in Ferry’s spectacular vocal.
--Avalon is the album’s crown jewel and rightful title track for its sensuous and lush, perfectly blending beauty and sophistication. The backing vocals, performed by Fonzi Thornton and Yanick Etienne (in particular) are simply stunning and a key reason why Avalon continues to be enjoyed to this day.
--India is another song that flows seamlessly and to be honest, the entire album is so well-sequenced that as much as you may gravitate to the individual songs we all know and love, Avalon is an album experience first and foremost. No truer is that than when listening to India and appreciating how this beautiful musical interlude segues Avalon to While My Heart Is Still Beating.
--While My Heart Is Still Beating is bold and dynamic. It’s a musical journey that is somewhat ethereal as Ferry’s vocals are sung in a manner whereby every lyric is not necessarily well defined, but is present in the mix if you take the time to not only check out the lyrics but listen intently. Songs such as this are a core reason why I consider the human vocal as another instrument in the mix, rather than a storytelling device, for Ferry creates an audible atmosphere that is utterly captivating.
--The Main Thing has an undeniable 80s pop style with its danceable groove and shimmering synths. In many respects, it’s a shame that The Main Thing was never released as a single for the hook draws you in and is, subsequently, not only a highlight of the album but would have been perfect for radio broadcasting during the era in which the album was released.
--Take A Chance With Me is a slow burn. The musical introduction is incredible and you’ll likely hear different elements upon each subsequent listen. Hence, Take A Chance With Me only improves the more you listen to the album. That said, it could also be proposed that the introduction to this song is too long, and unnecessary, as it pertains to the song itself, but given the album feels as if it’s a singular musical experience, I wouldn’t want to change a thing.
--To Turn You On has a pulsating bassline that accompanies this rhythmically engaging song. If there is a low point to be heard on Avalon, however, this is it. Yet, in saying that, To Turn You On does suit the overall style of the album even if it sounds somewhat foreign.
--True To Life is a hidden gem in every sense of the word. The upbeat tempo is addictively good and every musical aspect was carefully considered and perfectly positioned in the mix. Nothing short of a masterpiece would be the perfect way to describe this tune and while I could highlight every band member’s contribution, for they’re all excellent, it would be best if you just listened for yourself for Roxy Music doesn’t get much better than this.
--Tara closes the album with a beautifully reflective instrumental piece that maintains the album’s overall aura. The result is that Tara compels me to listen to the album again, for Avalon is one album that I can never listen to just once.
Subsequently, it doesn’t matter how many times I’ve listened to Avalon, throughout the years, for it continues to impress as a masterful piece of art-rock that isn’t limited by the era it was conceived in. Yet, at the same time, nostalgia plays a role in the modern appreciation of this creative endeavour. Each track on Avalon contributes to its overall excellence, and it remains a must-listen for anyone appreciative of the artistry and allure of Roxy Music and the early 80s rock vibe.
(subjectivesounds.com/musicblog/roxy-music-avalon-album-review)