Curved Air

Release Overview

Curved Air released their second album, simply titled Second Album, in 1971 under Warner Bros. Records. This UK band experienced lineup changes prior to this album's recording. Original bassist Robert Martin departed due to a trapped nerve in his shoulder. The band recruited Ian Eyre to fill the vacancy. With a lineup consisting of Sonja Kristina, Darryl Way, Francis Monkman, Ian Eyre, and Florian Pilkington-Miksa, they entered the studio to create this album.

Musical Composition

Second Album features a blend of rock, pop, and progressive rock elements. The album opens with "Young Mother," a track written by Way and Linwood, which sets the tone for the diverse sound that follows. "Back Street Luv," another collaboration by Way, Eyre, and Linwood, became the album's most commercially successful single, reaching number 4 on the UK Singles Chart on August 7, 1971. The song exemplifies the group's ability to combine melodic hooks with intricate arrangements.

Other tracks, such as "Jumbo" and "Puppets," continue to showcase the band's unique style. The album also includes "Everdance" and "Bright Summer's Day '68," both credited to Francis Monkman. One of the standout pieces is "Piece Of Mind," which runs for 12 minutes and highlights the band's progressive rock influences.

Chart Performance

Second Album achieved commercial success, reaching number 11 on the UK Albums Chart on October 9, 1971. This placement reflects the growing popularity of the band during this era. The production of the album was handled by Colin Caldwell, who also worked as the engineer. His contributions were essential in capturing the band's sound during this period.

Conclusion

The album was pressed on vinyl as an LP and features a total of eight tracks. The engineering and production were credited to Colin Caldwell and Curved Air.