Artist: IQ
Album: NOMZAMO RE-RELEASE (CD)

Year: 1987/ 2006
Media type: CD

First of two ‘pop albums’, originally released on the major label Polygram. Straight, song-oriented, and a matter of dispute at the time, but with a few real smashing hits. Features vocalist Paul Menel. US import.

Opinions among prog fans split with regard to IQ’s two albums that were released on the major label Polgyram in 1987 and 1989 – here and there humorously categorised as ‘pop albums’ ‘Nomzamo’ and ‘Are you Sitting Comfortably?’ Had the band understood the signs of time, or had they been falling away from belief?

Anyway, ‘Nomazamo’ actually shows IQ –with a new vocalist Paul Menel – on the way to the realms of pop rock. Brilliantly produced, this album also includes with ‘Human Nature’ and the title track two songs in the best prog tradition, and with ‘Common Ground’ a bombastic ballad of the finest as well.

TRACKLIST:

1. No Love Lost (6:02)
2. Promises (As The Years Go By) (4:34)
3. Nomzamo (7:00)
4. Still Life (5:57)
5. Passing Strangers (3:47)
6. Human Nature (9:41)
7. Screaming (4:07)
8. Common Ground (6:59)

Bonus tracks:
9. Colourflow (5:26)
10. No Love Lost (Piano/Vocal Version) (4:12)
11. Common Ground (live) (6:34)

Total Time: 64:26

LINE-UP:

- Paul Cook / drums
- Tim Esau / bass, bass pedals, rhythm guitar, vocals
- Mike Holmes / electric and acoustic guitars, guitar synth
- Paul Menel / vocals
- Martin Orford / keyboards, vocals

Additional Musicians:
- Ray Carless / sax
- Phillip Erb: Emu II programming
- Micky Groome / backing vocals
- Jules / vocal duet (Track 9)