18 Til I Die (1996) Review by Steven Stanley

My head says this isn't a 5 star album, but my heart does. But then again this isn't an album about being rational and using your head. So I'm going with my heart and laying down 5 stars on this one, and here's why.

Although many critics and fans may say it's Bryan having a mid life crisis, yes some songs maybe a bit silly... but c'mon they're fun! It was a brave move to go down this route and the Matthew Rolston video for 'The Only Thing' really set Bryan off in a new direction completely and MTV came running. That summer of '96 Bryan was arguably the biggest artist in the world, and his live shows were THE best they have ever been before or since. Europe and the UK particularly were lapping it all up while Euro 96 unfolded and we had the hottest summer in years. Bryan closed the '96 leg of his European tour playing Wembley Stadium, and he rocked. Hard.

I know I'm not reviewing his shows, his attitude, his fashion sense or that summer... but the fact is that album was released at the absolute perfect time and the vibe from it MADE that summer. Back then, it was cool to do what he did and wear what he wore!... MTV, VH-1, Radio 1 and the fashionistas all loved him. He was the man of the moment and he got it absolutely spot on.

Truth be told, yes there have been better rockers than 'It Ain't A Party...', and there are better ballads than 'You're Still Beautiful To Me'. Likewise the trip-hop 'Do To You' won't be to everyones taste I know (but man did it kick ass live). 'Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?' was something very different too. But when these songs come together there's something it can't explain, it just has that old cliche... the x-factor.

'The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You' has an irresistable twangy guitar hook and an in your face bridge that wasn't to be ignored, perfect first single. I do love my rockers, '18' though is pretty much split down the middle... half rock, half ballads. It has to be said though although there are a few ballads on here, they are awesome ballads. 'Star' probably being the best for me, a dreamy production with beautiful piano all the way through the track and superb lyrics about hope and belief.

'Let's Make A Night To Remember' was an awesome live song around release time, clocking in at around 8 minutes, it was just epic. The version he has played in the 2000's doesn't come close. The album version is still great and I particularly love the bass in this song when Bryan first breaks in... although the video was an absolute shocker.

'I'll Always Be Right There' is just Bryan on vocals, Keith on Spanish guitar and an amazing orchestra in the background... absolutely brilliant. He used to close shows on the '97 leg of the '18 Tour' with this track and it brings back fond memories everytime I hear it. There I go again talking about the tour (which was blatantly his best)! I'm probably looking at this album with rose tinted specs on, but I don't care!

'18 Til I Die' is an instantly loveable rocker, although the single version was harder and a lot better... the album version is still quality. A song about living for the moment, not doing anything twice and living your life to the full... if this doesn't pick you up nothing will! 'We're Gonna Win' is kind of a novelty record released in time for the Euro '96 football tournament... although Bryan dedicated it to Chelsea FC! It's probably the rawest rocker on the album and it's definately worth turning up the speakers for. '(I Wanna Be) Your Underwear' is probably the most cringeworthy song on the album for those that hated this new youthful aspect on life but I think it's a really clever song... albeit dirty-old-man-ish! The guitars are loud thats the most important thing :)

To summerize then, yes deep down I know I should probably only be giving this 4 stars... BUT, this album has meant such a great deal to me and given me so many 'pick me ups' I couldn't not give it 5. Collectively it works. It's just got that fun element to it which we all need in our lives. Sometimes ya gotta stop picking music apart and enjoy it for what it is.

Key Tracks:
The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You
18 Til I Die

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