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David Byron Solo Albums

Fan Reviews

Esteban Carrizo (Argentina) writes of Baby Faced Killer, "This album was really a surprise. A very nice one indeed. In fact I could tell that this is the best Heep solo album (I have all of them). David's voice is in fine form and here he sings on different styles always sounding great. Highlights are Baby Faced Killer, I Remember, Only You Can Do It and Don't Let Me Down but this is a strong collection from start to finish. Musicians include Daniel Boone on guitar, the Alan Parsons drummer Stuart Elliot and a wonderful guitar solo by Mick Box on the beautiful I Remember one of Heep and related best ballad with a very inspired lyric about "being in a band". It's always a pleasure to hear David so if you see this don't pass on the opportunity."

Lino Guerriero (Toronto, Canada) has supplied the following review of Baby Faced Killer:

This was the first solo album released by Byron after the split with Uriah Heep. Recorded in 1978, at first listen it seems to be a little too 'pop' sounding and commercial but is a fair attempt considering the music of the time. If you're a big fan of David's vocal work then you'll love this album.
Baby Faced Killer - Great opening tune. Track starts with a couple of bars from the 'Dragnet' TV theme. Spacey vocal feel that could easily have been a Uriah Heep song. Ken Hensley style keyboards. A spooky little song great for playing at Halloween.
Rich Man' Lady - Rockabilly sound with great guitar work and hand clapping chorus.
Sleepless Nights - Spacey Uriah Heep feel again with an inventive keyboard break. Byron's vocals work well with this song.
African Breeze - Heavy rhythm section with good use of African drum beat and vocal chants. This cut has a great danceable beat.
Everybody's Star - A beautifully sung ballad, describing the life of a rock star on the road. One of my personal favorite ballads that Byron ever did. On the same level as Love Song, Rain and Easy Road.
Heaven and Hell - This could have been pulled straight from a Heep album. It includes a great echo vocal and also good use of an operatic chorus. Byron's vocals work great with this unusual blend.
Only You Can Do It - This in my opinion should have been released as a single, it has a great 'pop' sound and the vocals, guitar and keyboards mesh really well on this track.
Don't Let Me Down - Another potential single with a very catchy hook in this verse. R&B style with little bit of Motown thrown into the mix. This also would have made a great single.
Acetylene Jean - Throw back to the 50's rock and roll type of song. David seems to be having a lot of fun laying down this track, and it really shows through. This track is worthy of a place on Heep's Rock and Roll Medley.
I Remember - Great tune. It is possible that this a song about Byron's experience's with Heep. Beautifully produced guitar solo to finish the track by Mick Box, who is not credited on the album's liner notes.

Roger Gößmann (Schweinfurt, Germany) writes, "Take No Prisoners is a very good solo album of David Byron. It is slightly different from what he has done with Heep. There is no heavy rocker on it and the vocal harmonies aren't as strong as on the Heep albums. But I really love that longplayer. I have also the vinyl version of Rough Diamond at home and would like to have it on CD because it is a good output. But it is much more different and somewhat unusual to the things David has done with Heep. But it is worth buying because of his strong vocal contribution to it. On The Rocks is in my opinion only for die-hard fans of David Byron because on every song it has a saxophone added to it which I personally don't like. The production and mix could have been better. Robin George is a good guitar player but the songs aren't as strong as I expected them to be. David is more shouting on this album than singing, he really rocks with his vocals. But in the end I must admit I like the album."

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