Roger Waters’ second solo album (not counting a couple of soundtrack collaborations) is still satisfying to sit and listen to over 25 years since its original release in 1987, but it does sound more dated than his other solo work. It is hard not to compare and contrast it with Pink Floyd’s Momentary Lapse of Reason, which was released a few months later. Like comparing the Lennon and McCartney’s careers in the ’70s, David Gilmour and Roger Waters were the primary songwriting forces in Floyd: Gilmour the musician and Waters the lyricist. While both of them produced enduring material after Waters’ 1985 departure from Floyd, they really needed each other to create the most classic art.

Like the additional studio support Gilmour enlisted for Floyd, Waters drew on both instrumentalists and vocalists to create this concept album about technology and nuclear war. The most well-known players include vocalist Paul Carrack, sax player Mel Collins and guitarist Andy Fairweather-Low. Gilmour nabbed Bob Ezrin first, so Waters co-produced this with two lesser-known gentlemen. That may explain why one album sounds more like timeless Pink Floyd and the other, K.A.O.S., sounds more mid-80s radio-friendly pop. But there are definite prog elements as well as distinct Waters treatments throughout. I find it useful to read along with the lyrics and dialogue when listening. In fact, it’s almost necessary to read the lengthy storyline before even playing the album, which makes for a more demanding experience. For additional listening pleasure, seek out the B-sides and/or the video EP.

This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2014  Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.

One of the most radio friendly tracks on the album is coincidentally about radio. It is pretty repetitious though, making it a bit tedious after a few listens. Billy, the wheelchair-bound protagonist who communicates through radio waves, develops a friendship with a late night DJ, played by Jim Ladd. “Magic Billy in his wheel chair / Is picking up all this stuff in the air.”