come back romance all is forgiven

• Format: CD, album reissue, remastered
• Packaging: Deluxe miniature LP-style papersleeve
• First release of the album on CD

Come Back Romance, All Is Forgiven is the third solo album by British singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Andy Bown. Originally released by EMI in 1977, it presents a polished collection of melodic pop-rock songs combining carefully observed lyrics, strong choruses and sophisticated studio arrangements.

Bown had already established himself through The Herd and Judas Jump, as well as through his work with Peter Frampton and Status Quo. His wide experience as a keyboard player, guitarist, bassist and arranger is reflected throughout the album, which moves naturally between intimate piano-led songs, upbeat rock, soft rock and touches of American-influenced singer-songwriter music.

Produced by Tom Allom, the recording features a substantial group of British session musicians. Contributors include John Mealing on keyboards and synthesizer, Chas Cronk on bass, Glen LeFleur and Terry Stannard on drums, Martin Jenner and Terry Smith on guitar, Ray Jackson, Graham Preskett, Chris Rae and Pete Zorn, with backing vocals from Diane Birch, Frank Collins and Paddie McHugh.

“Drowned in Texas” opens the album with an easy-moving rock arrangement and a memorable vocal melody, while “317 (Manhattan Blues)” introduces a reflective urban atmosphere. “Too Good to Last” and “The Real Thing” demonstrate Bown's gift for concise, carefully structured pop songwriting.

“Good Enough Reason” and the brief, energetic “Blood on the Keys” bring the first half to a lively conclusion. The second half begins with the harmony-rich “Love Love Love,” followed by the melodic “Nobody's Fool” and the backstage observations of “Backstage Pass.”

Two outside compositions complete the programme: Billy Preston's gospel-influenced “I've Got God on the Phone” and “Fine Rain,” written by Tony Chapman. Their contrasting moods fit comfortably beside Bown's original material and add further variety to the album's polished late-seventies sound.

Although Andy Bown became best known for his long association with Status Quo, Come Back Romance, All Is Forgiven highlights his individual strengths as a vocalist and songwriter. This Big Pink Music edition makes the complete original album available on CD for the first time in a deluxe miniature LP-style sleeve.

Track listing:

1. Drowned in Texas
2. 317 (Manhattan Blues)
3. Too Good to Last
4. The Real Thing
5. Good Enough Reason
6. Blood on the Keys
7. Love Love Love
8. Nobody's Fool
9. Backstage Pass
10. I've Got God on the Phone
11. Fine Rain