10cc - Look Hear? (LP) - VG+/VG

1980 was a dynamic year in music. The dawn of the decade saw the music world transitioning from the disco dominance of the late '70s into the burgeoning wave of synth-pop, new wave, and post-punk. Against this backdrop, 10cc released "Look Hear?". In the wake of internal band shifts and the music industry's changing tides, this album stands as an emblem of 10cc's chameleonic artistry.

By the time "Look Hear?" was on the horizon, 10cc had already etched their name as master craftsmen of music, possessing a unique penchant for blending pop sensibilities with experimental touches. This album is no exception. However, it's also a departure from some of the band's more audacious earlier works, signaling a transition towards a more radio-friendly, yet still quintessentially 10cc sound.

One of the standout tracks, "One-Two-Five", is a dazzling showcase of the band's knack for catchy hooks. The song combines a driving rhythm with satirical lyrics critiquing the formulaic nature of the music industry, a meta-commentary on the very pop structure it employs. It's 10cc at their best: pop perfection with an undercurrent of witty critique.

"I Hate to Eat Alone" is another gem. On the surface, it's a light-hearted, jaunty tune, but beneath lies a narrative touching upon loneliness and the yearning for human connection. It's these layers of depth, often juxtaposed against upbeat instrumentals, that make 10cc's music so intriguing.

The album also sees the band experimenting with different musical styles. "Strange Lover" brings forth a reggae-inspired rhythm, while "Lovers Anonymous" is a gentle ballad, brimming with emotion. Then there's "Welcome to the World", a track that is both an embrace of and a commentary on the complexities of modern life.

The cover artwork of "Look Hear?" itself is noteworthy. Featuring a sheep standing on a car roof amidst a gridlocked traffic jam, it's an enigmatic image that provokes thought, much like the music contained within. It’s a visual metaphor, perhaps suggesting conformity and the mundanity of modern life, themes the band touches upon in various tracks.

Production-wise, "Look Hear?" is top-tier. The meticulous arrangement, the layering of harmonies, the polished sound engineering - all testify to 10cc's dedication to delivering a high-quality auditory experience.

In the broader context of 10cc's discography, "Look Hear?" might not be the most groundbreaking, but it's pivotal. It's an album that straddles the line between the band's experimental roots and the mainstream sounds of its era. It's also a testament to 10cc's resilience and adaptability, proving that they could evolve with the times while remaining unmistakably themselves.

In sum, "Look Hear?" is both a product of its time and a showcase of timeless musicianship. For fans of 10cc, it's a journey into a band in transition, capturing a specific moment yet remaining universally relatable. For newcomers, it's a perfect introduction to a band that defied categorization, always surprising, always evolving.

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