A trend that emerged in the mid 1980s was the emergence of the Supergroup. Mike + The Mechanics was one such supergroup that was formed as a side project by Genesis Guitar and Bass player Mike Rutherford and would feature vocalists Paul Carrack (formerly of Squeeze) and Paul Young (formerly of Sad Cafe). This side project would lead to commercial and critical success. Their first album, the self-titled album "Mike + The Mechanics" would have some commercial success - including three Top 40 hits. Their second album "Living Years" produced a #1 song and Record of the Year candidate in the title track - as well as commercial success. In 1991 Mike + The Mechanics would release their third album, "Word of Mouth". While this album still lived up to the quality of the previous albums, the band would run into the problem that many artists have when they try for that third consecutive commercially successful album - they strike out. Unfortunately for their 4th release, 1995's "Beggar on a Beach of Gold", it too did not do well commercially. Like "Word of Mouth", this album would still have the high musical standards Mike + The Mechanics fans have become accustomed to, but this album will incorporate some different styles not seen by the band (i.e. Progressive Elements, Motown)

This is the first album where there is a lineup change in the band. The big change is that keyboardist Adrian Lee is demoted to studio musician status. The other original members Rutherford, Carrack, Young, and drummer Peter Van Hooke remain. As he has on the previous three albums, Christopher Neil returns as producer. The high quality of songwriting continues with Neil, B.A. Robertson and Paul Carrack (who started making songwriting contributions on "Word of Mouth") teaming up with Rutherford (who writes all of the original material). Another big change is the band does two "cover" songs: Smokey Robinson's "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" and Stevie Wonder's "I Believe (When I Fall in Love It Will Last Forever)". Robinson's song introduces a new side to the band - a Motown influence.

As for the lead vocals, the rule of thumb for the first three albums was that Carrack delivered the intense vocals while Young focused on the passionate vocals. The interesting thing on that album is that I see more "melding" of the styles of Carrack and Young. In addition to their voices have some similarities in style, there are cases where they team up for duets.

Here is a review of the tracks:

"A Beggar on the Beach of Gold": This song has a bit of the classic Mechanics feel - especially the keyboard work and the passionate vocals of Young. This song kind of reminds me of Mike + The Mechanics version of the "Rich Man, Poor Man" story.

"Another Cup of Coffee": Another classic Mechanics feel - especially the keyboard. Carrack sings lead vocals in the narrative about a "good housewife". I believe Young also contributes some background vocals.

"You Really Got a Hold On Me": Carrack and Young perform this as a duet - and they should more of this. It's a terrific cover of the Robinson tune as the Mechanics incorporate some Motown-style elements into this song.

"Mea Culpa": This song almost has a similar Rhythm to Genesis' "I Can't Dance" when it starts - definitely a different feel than the "Classic Mechanics feel". Young does great on vocals.

"Over My Shoulder": Outstanding track - this song has almost an acoustic guitar feel to it. Carrack delivers some terrific vocals from start to finish. The songwriting is outstanding as this song explores looking back at a failed relationship.

"Someone Always Hates Someone": This song almost has a the feel of early 1980s Genesis (i.e. the "Genesis" album) and even incorporates some progressive rock elements. The song deals with the impacts of hatred.

"The Ghost of Sex and You": Not a bad track. The melodies on this track also have a feel of early 1980s Genesis. This is the longest track on the album and sometimes I do grow a bit tired of this track.

"Web of Lies": This song once again shows the Classic Mechanics feel. Great vocals by Carrack and there are some good guitar rifts by Rutherford on this song.

"Plain and Simple": Great song. There is more great guitar work by Rutherford. Young delivers terrific passionate vocals. This song features an interesting incorporation of "news clips" in the middle of a song that discusses someone wanting a "simple life". The melodies during those news clips show a slight progressive feel.

"Something to Believe In": While Young has the lead vocals, Carrack joins in making for a terrific duet. This is another example of how these two vocalists work brilliantly together. There's more great guitar work by Rutherford.

"A House of Many Rooms": This song almost has a slight R&B feel to start. This song also grew a little tired on me as I listened.

"I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Last Forever)": This is the Stevie Wonder cover and this has more of a Rock sound to compliment the soulful vocals of Carrack.

"Going Going....Home": The harmonies on this song compliment the lead vocals of Young perfectly. This is another outstanding track from a songwriting perspective as it deals with someone who has left his family behind, but realizes he can't run away from his problems and yearns to go home.

The liner notes include the lyrics for all of the songs as well as the songwriting and production credits. Overall, this is a very good album - and with better promotion, this album could have also been a commercially successful album. While Mike + The Mechanics stuck to a formula for the first 3 albums, I like how they switch gears for album four. This certainly will appeal to the core Mechanics fans, but this certainly some great music for anyone to check out.

Mike Rutherford has assembled two nearly perfect albums in his 23 year career. Beggar, with 1988's Living Years, stands out as a prime example of what good music is all about. The title track kicks the album off with a story of our inability to realize the blessings we have in our quest for material wealth, and there is no looking back from there. There's "Another Cup of Coffee," with its powerful yet subtle images of domestic violence. There's the remorseless "Mea Culpa," with its simple yet somehow menacing guitar riff. "Over My Shoulder" has to be one of the funnest, most whistlable track to ever come from a Genesis man. "Web of Lies" is a rocker, with lyrics to make anyone involved in the criminal justice system proud. "Plain & Simple" features a cameo from Bill Clinton ("Well, I'm still alive and nobody's shooting at me"), and the album ends on a peaceful, melancholy note with "Going, Going . . . Home." The two Motown remakes, "You've Really Got a Hold on Me" and "I Believe" feature the two Pauls at their best.

Towering above all of the other excellent tracks is "A House of Many Rooms." It has lyrics to rival the best of Tony Banks or Peter Gabriel, using the rooms of a house (well, mansion, really) as a metaphor for the human personality. Stay away from me, the protagonist warns his would-be lover, for I am a house of many rooms . . . . There is a slow-build up of the music to mirror the tension in the lyrics, and at the end of the song we get a whirlwind tour of the house, with a whirlwind guitar to accompany us. Brilliant, simply brilliant.

I first heard cuts from this album while on a European vacation when the CD first came out. Very suprised it is relatively unknown in the US (no radio airplay). Could very well be Mike and The Mechanics finest release. It is probably my very favorite Mechanics CD.

If you're looking for good music, then look no further. This album has all the things you want to hear that you don't get much nowadays. There are quite a number of really good songs on this album, and some O.K ones. With that being said, I'll give you my take on the album:

A Beggar On A Beach Of Gold- Soft rock, powerful vocals by P. Young, a good song.

Another Cup Of Coffee- Classic, the keyboards never sounded so good.

You've Really Got A Hold On Me- Mowtown inspired song with both Carrack and Young performing a duet together.

Mea Culpa- Not one my favorites, has a classic mechanics sounds to it and opens Genesis-like.

Over My Shoulder- Upbeat and fun, it's a song that has a good groove to it. Beautiful vocal from Carrack.

Someone Always Hates Someone- Powerful, lyrics about the consequences of hate. There's a piece of progressive rock in the middle of the song that makes it one of the best.

The Ghost Of Sex And You- Haunting, has that 80's sound going on. Reminds me an early Genesis.

Web Of Lies- My favorite. Killer keyboards, great guitar rifts, and powerful vocals by Carrack. You try and find me something better than this! This song is the works!

Plain And Simple- Like the good old days, rocking to the 80's with more powerful guitar rifts. Young's vocals are strong and deliever a message of living the simple life.

Something To Believe In- Another duet with Carrack and Young, more of Rutherford's gifted guitar playing, good song.

A House Of Many Rooms- A little R&B in the beginning, a soft rock track.

I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)- Soulful cover of Stevie Wonder's track. Has some rock added into the mix.

Going, Going...Home- The last song is a beautiful melody with Young's vocals sounding ever so enjoyable. A good choice to end the album.

From start to finish, "Beggar on a Beach of Gold" is an album that should be listened by everyone. If you enjoy Mike & the Mechanics and have a passion for old school/Genesis sound, you won't be disappointed!

Although Mike Rutherford does a great job with the musical arrangements and the very creative lyrics, the voalists is what makes this album superb. Paul Carrack and Paul Young do an excellent job. They are able to bring out the lyrics in a way they were meant to be sang. With Paul Carrack's and Paul Young's vocals, there is nothing that can not be done vocally. Unfortunately, I had to cut a star do to the remake of "You Really Got a Hold on Me", not that it is a bad song, but Mike Rutherford and company are so good at writing their own lyrics why make a remake? GRADE: A-