PhoenixIn Full View: A Retro Ride Worth Taking
If you’re into that sweet spot where rock meets pop with just enough grit to keep things real, PhoenixIn Full View by Phoenix might be your jam. Released back in 2009 on Renaissance Records, this album feels like a time capsule from the golden days of classic rock—think leather jackets, smoky bars, and amps cranked way too loud (but in the best way). It’s not perfect, but man, does it have soul.
Let’s talk about two tracks that stuck with me. First up is “Try A Little Rock ‘N’ Roll.” This one hits you right outta the gate like an old-school anthem you didn’t know you needed. John Verity’s vocals are raw yet smooth, kinda like whiskey poured over gravel. The guitar work here? Damn near hypnotic. You can tell these guys weren’t trying to reinvent the wheel—they just wanted to make it spin faster and louder. And honestly? Mission accomplished.
Then there’s “Drowning In Tears,” which flips the vibe entirely. Where “Rock ‘N’ Roll” gets your blood pumping, this track slows things down and lets the emotion simmer. Jim Rodford’s basslines add this subtle heartbeat under all the layers, while Verity’s voice cracks just enough to feel authentic. It’s the kind of song that makes you stare out a rainy window even when the sun’s shining bright outside. No lie—you’ll replay it at least twice before realizing how deep you’ve sunk into its groove.
The rest of the album follows suit, bouncing between rowdy bangers and reflective ballads. Tracks like “From The Ashes” and “Strong Love” show off some serious range, proving Phoenix wasn’t content to stick to one formula. Sure, there are moments where it feels a bit uneven, but isn’t that part of the charm? These dudes weren’t chasing perfection; they were chasing passion—and they caught it more often than not.
What really ties everything together is the production. Producer John Verity clearly knew what he was doing, letting each instrument breathe without drowning anyone out. Kudos to Peter Kelsey for mixing—it’s clean without being sterile, leaving room for those tiny imperfections that remind you real humans made this thing.
Now, let’s not forget the lineup. With Bob Henrit keeping the beat tight and Jim Rodford pulling double duty on bass and keys, the band had chemistry for days. Throw in John Verity handling vocals AND guitar duties, and you’ve got yourself a recipe for good ol’ fashioned rock magic. Even Studio Gerrard deserves props for designing an album cover that screams “vintage cool.”
So yeah, PhoenixIn Full View. Not gonna change your life or anything, but it’ll definitely crank up your next road trip playlist. Listening to it felt like finding an old mixtape tucked away in the glove compartment—unexpectedly awesome, kinda nostalgic, and totally worth another spin.
And hey, maybe that’s the point. In a world obsessed with chasing trends, sometimes all we need is a little reminder of what rocks… literally.
