Chrysalis Records Produced by Mike Chapman
From 1979 to 1981, it could be stated that Blondie was the #1 group in the world. The success of "Parallel Lines," "Eat to the Beat," and "Autoamerican" - and their singles - offer proof.
Fans everywhere wondered what they could do to top their successes.
The result was 1982's "The Hunter," an album that did not top their 1979-81 period; in fact, the album showed with great clarity that Blondie had passed their prime.
Deborah Harry didn't want to be considered "Blondie" anymore; her 1981 solo album went far to demonstrate her intentions. But Chris Stein wanted to continue the group and "The Hunter" was the result. Harry's growing agitation with the "Blondie" image is one reason the album is mediocre; in addition, guitarist Frank Infante sued the group due to his contention that he was being kept out of group decisions. A settlement was reached, part of which was Infante's participation on "The Hunter." Also contributing to the downturn in quality on "The Hunter" was Chris Stein's early battle with a life-threatening illness that would sideline him for several years.
The album overall reflects Blondie's lack of interest in continuing as a group considering the many mediocre offerings ("Find the Right Words," "The Beast," "Little Caesar," "Dragonfly"). The group sounds downright tired on many of the tracks.
There are still classic Blondie efforts and sounds, however. "Orchid Club" is an underrated gem, and "For Your Eyes Only," a song Harry and Stein wrote for the movie of the same name (only to be rejected by the film's producers) comes closer to the spy themed movie than Sheena Easton's effort. "War Child" is full of energy and purpose, and "English Boys" is a nicely constructed, mellow song.
By James W. Tinder
Side 1.
1. Orchid Club 5:44
2. Island Of Lost Souls 4:42
3. Dragonfly 6:01
4. For Your Eyes Only 3:07
5. The Beast 4:54
Side 2.
6. War Child 4:00
7. Little Caesar 3:01
8. Danceaway 3:17
9. (Can I) Find The Right Words (To Say) 3:07
10. English Boys 3:49
11. The Hunter Gets Captured By The Game 3:45
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