Traffic – TRAFFIC*****

You Can All Join In/Pearly Queen/Don’t Be Sad/Who Knows What Tomorrow May Bring/Feelin’ Alright/ Vagabond Virgin/Forty Thousand Headmen/Cryin’ To Be Heard/No Time To Live/Means To An End

This stunning eponymous follow up album from Traffic showcased the group at the top of their game. The loss of Dave Mason's catchy songwriting skills would henceforth seriously diminish their commercial appeal. (US:17 UK:9)

"Traffic's second album is a classic that mixes songs from both Steve Winwood (the more dramatic, art-rock material), and Dave Mason (the simpler, more-introspective, straightforward catchy stuff). But it all hangs together, the music is simply brilliant."

"Mason favoured rooted folk-tinged material; Winwood saw the band as a communal affair and leaned toward progressive jazz. The synthesis of these two approaches is what makes Traffic such a terrific album. There's not a weak moment across these ten songs. By fusing bits of country and folk, wisps of psychedelia, and elements of jazz and soul, the album managed to both presage and summarize the ambitious developments of rock music during its most creative era."

"A really strong record by Traffic. Steve Winwood is simply one of the most soulful white singers you will find, and a fine musician as well. This is quality R & B with a slightly jazz/folk influence and some great flute playing by Chris Woods. Dave Mason's shorter catchy infectious offerings provide a nice alternative to the longer more relaxed and jammed compositions."

"Traffic were as talented as any other group during the 60s, and this album really proves it. Dave Mason and Steve Winwood's songwriting reach Lennon/McCartney proportions here. And not only are the songs great, but the musicianship is aweinspiring. There's Chris Wood's reeds, Jim Capaldi's unbelievably underrated drums, and of course Winwood's virtuosity on guitar and keyboards. These four men were some of the most original and prodigious musicians of their time."

"The craftsmanship and playing is so relaxed and natural, the effortless style and vocal harmonies mixed with Winwood's beautiful organ work creates an infectious summertime cool breeze feeling. The mood is mellow throughout (with an upbeat groove) but not in a pretentious attempt at creating something 'cool', it is simply what happens when great musicians create music with joy and skill."