Face to Face: A Live Recording
Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel · 1977
73 min · 15 tracks · rock music
A vibrant live performance blending theatrical rock with emotive balladry, showcasing the band's eclectic energy and Harley's charismatic vocals.
Top tracks — play these first
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Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) — This track remains a defining anthem of Harley's career, with its catchy chorus and playful lyrics capturing the essence of Cockney Rebel's theatrical rock style.
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Sebastian — As one of the band's signature songs, its extended live rendition showcases Harley's vocal prowess and the band's musical versatility, emphasizing emotional depth.
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Psychomodo — The performance of this track encapsulates the band's experimental spirit, merging progressive rock elements with Harley's distinctive storytelling approach.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The live performance captures the band's energy but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its runtime.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a cover of 'Here Comes the Sun', setting a lively tone before transitioning into original material.
- Harley's vocal delivery varies significantly across tracks, moving from theatrical expressions in 'Psychomodo' to more subdued moments in 'If This Is Love'.
- Several tracks feature extended instrumental sections, allowing the band to showcase their musicianship and engage the audience.
- The final track, 'Make Me Smile', serves as a climactic conclusion, featuring a sing-along section that emphasizes audience interaction.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- vibrant live energy and charisma
- emotive ballads with theatrical flair
- catchy sing-along moments with friends
- dynamic pacing across varied tracks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer studio recordings only
- want minimalist soundscapes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on July 8, 1977, 'Face to Face: A Live Recording' captures Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel at a pivotal moment following their commercial peak with 'Make Me Smile'. This live album came after the band's earlier successes in the early 1970s and highlights their distinct sound during a time when they were solidifying their reputation as a dynamic live act.
- Stylistic neighbors
- David Bowie· Roxy Music· T. Rex
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Here Comes the Sun 3:25
- 2 I Believe (Love's a Prima Donna) 4:49
- 3 Mad, Mad Moonlight 5:14
- 4 Red Is a Mean, Mean Colour 5:44
- 5 Sweet Dreams 2:39
- 6 Finally a Card Came 1:57
- 7 Psychomodo 5:12
- 8 If This Is Love (Give Me More) 5:50
- 9 The Best Years of Our Lives 5:00
- 10 (Love) Compared With You 4:48
- 11 Mr. Soft 3:14
- 12 Sebastian 10:44
- 13 Seeking a Love 1:17
- 14 Tumbling Down 6:34
- 15 Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me) 6:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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