Ian Hunter's vocal style lies somewhere between Bob Dylan's muddled slur and Johnny Lydon's sneer. His voice works exceptionally well with the sound of the band on this record. David Bowie's fingerprints are all over this album and the band definitely benefits from it. The guitars have a crisp clarity that allows them to rock but they don't overpower the vocals at any point. The selection of "Sweet Jane" was perfect for Hunter's voice. But as distinctive as Hunter's vocal delivery, there are plenty of times where a listener can be easily forgiven for thinking he stepped out of the studio and Bowie stepped in - the chorus of "Momma's Little Jewel" and "All the Young Dudes," especially.
While Bowie maintains a clean sound on all of the tracks, Mott's irreverence is still allowed to flow. "Momma's Little Jewel," "Sucker," and "One of the Boys" all exhibit Hunter's talent on lyrics and there are some interesting guitar acrobatics throughout the album. Layered in the mix and making a couple of spotlight appearances are Hunter's keyboards. Bowie isn't the only influence easily found on this album. Just as in their previous releases, Mott shows their love for the Rolling Stones. The middle of the album couldn't have sounded the same had they not been influenced by them. "Jerkin' Crocus/..." and "One of the Boys" could have easily been long lost tracks from Sticky Fingers.
Things do wander a little at the end of the album. First, there's the only song that really abandons the clean production - "Soft Ground" with its sludgy guitars and organ. The later Bad Company song "Ready for Love/Afterlights" rocks but sounds noticeably different than the other tracks on the album. It's much more straight-ahead hard rock compared to the rest. Finally, there is the mystic ballad of "Sea Diver" to close off the experience; maybe had it not been after the other two songs, it would have been just another variation on Mott's sound on the record.
This is a very accessible album that should definitely be listened to anyone who is a fan of Bowie or the Rolling Stones. You can't consider yourself familiar with glam without knowing some of Mott's repertoire and this is a good album that compacts Mott's influences into an easy listen.
Songs I knew I liked: "All the Young Dudes"
Songs I didn't know but now like: "Sweet Jane" (I knew the original, but not this cover) and "Momma's Little Jewel"
Songs I can go the rest of my life without hearing again: "Jerkin' Crocus/...," "One of the Boys," and "Soft Ground"