Originally Posted by
WalshFan88
I think the band from OOTN on was more polished, but I don't think it takes away from their more rock n' roll presence.... I think OOTN is probably their smoothest song. And that's ok, I love OOTN - one of my faves. But to me it's very smooth. Now it's not as polished as say, an ELO record, but it's definitely smoother.
The Long Run definitely IMO was a hit or miss album and a mixed bag. Some stuff is very polished, but some stuff like Those Shoes, In The City, or Heartache Tonight have a more rock edge.
I have no problem with a bit of a polished record or perfectionism as long as it doesn't go on to be too glossy to where there is no "guts" or edge to it or a human aspect. And that's coming from a diehard raw rock n' roll fan who listens to the likes of the Stones, AC/DC, Aerosmith, GnR, Zeppelin, etc. I find there to be enough RnR in HC (album) to excite me.
I think Joe is a very good team player in the band and certainly made them more edgier - and had that rockstar vibe from the beginning. They were on their way there with the addition of Felder, but adding Joe with Felder took it to a whole new level IMO.