Released in 1987, Free As A Bird is a splendid serving of 80's pop and more accessible than the seriously toned (though EXCELLENT) Brother Where You Bound from 1985. The awesome Rick Davies, John Helliwell, & friends show again that even without the silken voice, guitar & songwriting of Roger Hodgson (whose own solo efforts are pure magic), that you'll love this collection. Favorite tracks are 3 (It Doesn't Matter), 5 (Free As A Bird), 6 (I'm Beggin' You), and 9 (An Awful Thing To Waste). -Stephen Rich