Classic Album Review: Bryan Ferry - Let’s Stick Together (1976)

Let’s Stick Together was released as Bryan Ferry’s third solo album back in 1976, but it isn’t so much an orthodox studio set, made in the usual way, rather it’s a compilation of previously released material – including singles, covers, b-sides, and even re-recordings of stuff that Roxy Music had earlier put its name to.

As such it all feels a little bit patchy and lacks flow. Taken as a whole, the album is basically a hybrid of different styles; part rock (as with the title track – a two-time hit single for Ferry), part easy listening cabaret, throw in some mellow jazzy interludes, and as always, much of it finds Ferry in classic crooner mode. 

Compiled at a time when Roxy Music was very much in recess, it’s interesting to note the alternative takes on the early Roxy material, with Brian Eno’s more experimental influence obviously purged to be replaced by Ferry’s own interpretation on several key tracks. This, despite the continued involvement of fellow Roxy Music members Paul Thompson (drums), Eddie Jobson (violin and synths), and Phil Manzanera on many of the recordings. 

Best bits: the title track and album opener, which has become something of a signature tune for Ferry, plus ‘Casanova’, ‘You Go To My Head’, the Lennon and McCartney cover ‘It’s Only Love’, the Everly Brothers’ ‘The Price Of Love’, and the Jimmy Reed track ‘Shame Shame Shame’. 

Something of a mixed bag, but still well worth checking out.