Roger Hodgson's IN THE EYE OF THE STORM, HAI HAI Get Half-Speed Vinyl Reissue
The reissues follow similar half-speed remasters of several Supertramp albums praised by Classic Rock and Mojo magazines.
Roger Hodgson's solo albums In The Eye Of The Storm and Hai Hai have been remastered at half-speed by Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios. These definitive vinyl editions, featuring artwork faithful to the original releases, are now available.
In The Eye Of The Storm (1984) was Roger's first solo album that came out a year after his departure from Supertramp. The album quickly achieved massive commercial success, including going Platinum in Canada within a month of its release. Having played most of the instrumental parts on the album himself, the record retains the experimental, progressive spirit of Hodgson's earlier work while forging a distinct solo path. Tracks like 'Hooked on a Problem' and 'Only Because of You' showcase Hodgson's songwriting mastery. The album's sound felt like a continuation from Supertramp. Songs like 'Had A Dream' carried the experimental prog spirit of the band's earlier work paired with Hodgson's trademark soaring vocals, high energy, dramatic lyrics and catchy synth-and-guitar groove.
Hai Hai (1987) carries a sound a little more of the time. This release features all-original writing by Hodgson (except for 'Land Ho' originally released only as a single). 'You Make Me Love You' had the most popular feel-good melody making it the radio single. 'Puppet Dance' was an emotionally charged fan favorite expressing deep vocal intensity and synthesizer rhythm. The album draws from a multitude of genres and brings in talented session musicians, alongside late-80s production and synthesizer technology.
These releases follow the reissues of some of Supertramp's most loved albums, also at half-speed. They have been met with great esteem with Classic Rock Magazine giving Breakfast In America, Even In The Quietest Moments..., and ...Famous Last Words a 10/10, 8/10 and 7/10 respectively, while Mojo rated Crime Of The Century a 10/10 with Prog Magazine calling it, alongside Crisis? What Crisis? '... even more evocative'.
Following the release of these two albums, Roger stepped back from music to spend time with his children. He returned to touring a decade later and released his third solo studio album, Open The Door, in 2000.
Tracklist
In The Eye Of The Storm
Side One
1. Had A Dream (Sleeping With The Enemy)
2. In Jeopardy
3. Lovers In The Wind
4. Hooked On A Problem
Side Two
1. Give Me Love, Give Me Life
2. I'm Not Afraid
3. Only Because Of You
Hai Hai
Side One
1. Right Place
2. My Magazine
3. London
4. You Make Me Love You
5. Hai Hai
Side Two
1. Who's Afraid
2. Desert Love
3. Land Ho
4. House On The Corner
5. Puppet Dance
