Guitar Man

This was album #5, released in late 1972, and the last for the group before the members disbanded in the early '70's. This album continued to showcase and establish David Gates as the dominant member of the group. Of the 12 songs on the album, David Gates wrote 6 of them and co-wrote on 2 of them. This "finale album" (disregarding their reunion album "Lost Without Your Love" released in early 1977 for the moment) gave us one of David Gates' best romantic ballads ever- "Aubrey." "The Guitar Man," "Sweet Surrender," and "Fancy Dancer" can also be included as popular songs from this album. "Best of Bread-Volume 2" used 5 songs from this album for its playlist. David Gates selected 3 songs from this album as personal favorites for his latest release, "The David Gates Songbook," of the 10 Bread songs on this new CD. There are so many other memorable songs on this album: the opener, "Welcome To The Music," which sets a nice tone for the remainder of the album. "Make It By Yourself," "Yours For Life," "Picture In Your Mind," "Don't Tell Me No," and "Didn't Even Know Her Name" are some others that come to mind. From ballads to rock songs, I have always felt this collection of songs seem to flow together very well as a concept album. I would rate this CD with 4.5 stars. All in all, I have always considered this to be one of Bread's better and more enjoyable ensemble of songs. This collection of Gates' and Griffin's songs works better together and more cohesive as an album in their fifth release. (That trend would continue and improve with this group's last album, "Lost Without Your Love.") A very enjoyable, uplifting, and inspiring playlist! This CD will be one that you will want to play over and over.