The Cowsills have released a new album—or haven’t they? Global was originally issued in 1992, with only 3000 copies printed. Now, over three decades later, Global returns re-engineered and re-imagined with three newly recorded bonus tracks,
The Cowsills were a brothers, sister, mother and pop band managed by their father from Newport, Rhode Island. They had a number of pop hits in the late 1960s, such as “The Rain, The Park & Other Things,” “We Can Fly,” and their version of “Hair.” Brothers John, Bob, and Paul and sister Susan are now carrying on the band’s name.
The original album is an update on their 60s sound. The harmonies are intact, and sound tighter, probably due to more modern recording techniques. The sound has moved away from pop, with more of a rock edge and a guitar up front. The band members take turns on lead vocals, with the harmonies coming in on the chorus.
Little sister Susan, a child during the band’s classic period and now all grown up, has had the most successful post-Cowsills career. The tracks where she is the lead vocalist tend to work the best. “Under The Gun,” “She Said To Me,” “You’ve Got No Time,” and “Far Away” all benefit from her lead. Her voice is also the glue that holds the backing vocals together.
Other interesting tracks include the a capella beginning of “Cross That Line” and the rawness of “What About Love,” before the harmonies take over.
The three bonus tracks give the album an almost disjointed effect. ”Freefall,” “Maybe It’s You,” and “Shine” approach hard rock, and while they’re not a bad trio of songs, they would have better served leading off an album of similar material.
Global, whether new or old, is a fine album of updated pop, and proves that the Cowsills are still a viable band.