Boy, was I relieved to see that somebody else thought this might be Iggy's best album. Yes, Raw Power is his ultimate nihilistic punk masterpiece, but truth be known, I'm not always up for the challenge of listening to it all the way through. On Soldier Iggy sheds the overtly pop elements thrust on him by Bowie and James Williamson, and provides a sloppily rocking good time. The songs are probably the most consistent in quality of any Iggy record, yet range from ridiculous and raw (Dog Food, I Snub You) to dark and dangerous (Ambition, Play It Safe), to just plain outstandingly tough and cool (I Need More, I'm a Conservative). From the roller rink rock of Loco Mosquito to its blistering end, Iggy and his band pull out all the stops on this one and take you on Mr. Pop's wild ride. Kudos to Glen Matlock's kickass bass playing, Barry Andrew's rollicking keyboards (likely the best punk keyboard player ever), and Pat Moran's raw but catchy production. Any time the album veers anywhere near pop, the bass snaps, the keys blurt, or the ever-snotty background vocals slap you back into your place. It's a shame this band was such a interpersonal disaster according to the liner notes--they made great noise together, but they probably never would have topped this record anyway. No sweet baritone ballads for the Iguana on this one--this puppy rocks from beginning to end. A pure pleasure for the kind of day when you're driving in your car, and you feel like shooting the finger and smiling at the same time. Sublime and essential Iggy.

A relatively unknown Iggy release, "Soldier" proves to be one of his most diverse and unusual collections of songs. Due to some personnel shake-ups during the recording, the finished product contains a lot less heavy guitar than almost any other Iggy Pop album - but the resulting sparse arrangements end up enhancing the songs. For example, the killer opening track "Loco Mosquito" draws much of its punch from Barry Adamson's brilliant swirling, merry-go-round keyboards and strumming acoustic guitar. Acoustic guitar is utilized to excellent effect on several other tracks as well, such as "Ambition."

The only real drawback to this outstanding album is that the production on some of the songs does sound a bit dated. "Dog Food," for example, contains a powerful riff and a great lyric, but the backing track hasn't really stood the test of time.

This album contains some really infectious hooks - which is not surprising considering he had Glen Matlock (who wrote almost all the best Sex Pistols tunes) in the band. "Take Care Of Me" is just plain gorgeous - it sounds like the kind of punky, edgy track that Bowie would have been proud to write.

You've got rockers, like "Knocking "em Down In the City"; slower, more sinister numbers like "I Need More" and "Mr. Dynamite"; pure weird fun like "Get Up and Get Out" and "I'm A Conservative"; and prime Iggy vitriol (most notably on "I Snub You") throughout.

The only thing this is missing is a bonus live disc like the reissue of Zombie Birdhouse. But on its own merits, this album holds its own - an Iggy classic, a "new-wave" classic, and just a rollicking good time.

I can't tell you how often I listen to this one.. truly one of the best Iggy Pop CD's you will find, this album just doesn't stop. Creative, poetic, Soldier definately rocks . This is one of those albums in which every song fits perfectly together... Out of 5 stars, I give this one a 10. This is Iggy Pop's best album in my eyes. (with New Values a close second)

"My mommy told me, If I were goody, she would buy me a rubber dolly". I consider this cd the rubber dolly of Iggy records. As reflected in the opening statement, maturity is not a concern. Some people claim the content of this record even steps over the "Iggy" standards. So what. This cd shows Iggy at his finest as only he could pull it off. This is one of the few solo efforts by Iggy which holds my attention through every song especially "I'm a Conservative" (although the two additional songs are less than spectacular). For those who are into Iggy will enjoy this cd. For those who aren't, they will ask us to grow up.

First, let me say that this is my favorite Iggy album, right up there w/Raw Power. The other reviewers made some good points: some of the lyrics seem a little silly, others are enigmatic ("I'm sick of hanging round with old transvestites/they stare at my rubbers/it makes me uptight"). Others are excellent: "They call me Mr. Dynamite/I blow things up in black and white/an end to your charade/A button I have made/Must be pushed". The band is great, with surprisingly tasteful use of horns and keys. Many of the tunes are very melodic but still edgy. The production is quite good and it is obvious the songs were carefully constructed. Almost every one is good, no real stinkers. I even like Loco Mosquito, though it took awhile. Check out "I'm A Conservative" and "Mr. Dynamite", 2 standout tracks. A few tunes have kind of a new wave feel ("Play It Safe"), and they work too. Thumbs up from me, Siskel.