One record at a time: 462. Steve Winwood - Arc of a Diver

"Arc of a Diver" was released in 1980 and my well worn original pressing is showing its age. Not only is the sound reproduction pretty poor, but there are also some outdated and misogynistic ideas within these grooves. The first time I heard "Second-hand Woman" I thought I was misinterpreting things or being oversensitive, but the more I heard the song the more disconcerting I found it. The music is inoffensive, but the lyrics are just vile.

On a brighter note, the album opens with "While You See a Chance", where the Prophet 5 and Multimoog synths blend beautifully with Winwood’s signature Hammond organ. The lyrics may be a bit scattershot, but the inventive, catchy music more than compensates. "Slowdown Sundown" takes an unexpected acoustic turn, but the track is ultimately saved by a wonderful Moog bass and a standout solo.

Side B begins with "Spanish Dancer," a long-time favourite of mine. The track is rich with synth textures and features a bubbling analogue sequence that underpins lush polysynths and subtle percussion. I especially enjoy how this song ebbs and flows, building tension and release to great effect. "Night Train" is an eight-minute journey that feels more contemporary and you may find yourself tapping your foot - albeit absent mindedly. The album closes with "Dust," a somewhat underwhelming composition, though Winwood’s vocals remain a highlight.

Overall, "Arc of a Diver" is a mixed bag: musically inventive in places, but marred by outdated themes and inconsistent songwriting. Still, there are moments of brilliance that make it worth a listen—if you can look past its flaws. 2/5