When the Eagle Flies (Remastered)

This is a real sad affair indeed. From the album name, and the cover where apparently an eagle is about ready to take one of the band in its clutches, it's apparent that Traffic was done even before this one was shrink-wrapped. It's pretty blatant if you listen to 'Something New' and 'Memories of a Rocka Rolla' - the latter being particularly unimpressive. For whatever reason, Winwood, Wood and Capaldi had divorced themselves of the session rhythm section David Hood and Roger Hawkins, who had always grounded the band to some kind of a groove. Percussionist Rebop Kwaaka Bah has also left by now as well. The result is a collection of ultra-mellow, meandering songs which ultimately go nowhere. Only 'Walking In The Wind' measures up to their past catalogue.