UFO's 1980 album, 'No Place To Run,' is a fascinating snapshot of a band navigating a musical galaxy, this time with a new captain at the helm. The vinyl LP crackles with a raw energy and a sense of urgency, fueled by the fresh blood of Paul Chapman's lead guitar.
The spaceship was still there, but Michael Schenker had blasted off to other galaxies. In his place stood Paul Chapman, a guitarist with a different set of skills, ready to steer UFO in a new direction. Chapman's playing on 'No Place To Run' is a testament to his own unique style: a blend of hard rock grit and melodic sensibility.
The musical exploration on 'No Place To Run' was ambitious. UFO had always flirted with the boundaries of hard rock and heavy metal, but here they ventured into a more commercial, radio-friendly territory. Songs like the title track and 'Young Blood' had a slick, polished sheen, with catchy hooks and soaring vocals from Phil Mogg.
This shift towards a more mainstream sound was not without its controversies. Some fans yearned for the raw, unadulterated energy of UFO's earlier albums. The departure of Schenker was a seismic event, and Chapman had big shoes to fill. But 'No Place To Run' showcased a band willing to evolve and adapt, even if it meant ruffling a few feathers.
The production team behind 'No Place To Run' was a stellar cast. George Martin, the legendary Beatles producer, was brought in to add his Midas touch. Martin's influence is evident in the album's crisp, clean sound. The recording took place at the iconic Abbey Road Studios, adding to the album's mystique and historical significance.
'No Place To Run' was a sonic journey, now with a new pilot at the helm. Chapman's guitar work, alongside Mogg's powerful vocals, propelled the spaceship forward. It was a snapshot of a band navigating a musical galaxy filled with shifting stars, and it remains a testament to UFO's resilience and their ability to reinvent themselves.