09/07/2020
For those of us who navigate the urban sprawl daily, be it behind the wheel of a black cab or simply observing the endless flow, there's a certain rhythm to the city, a soundtrack to every journey. And when one speaks of journeys, musical or otherwise, the name Bryan Ferry invariably comes to mind. While many associate him with the groundbreaking art-rock of Roxy Music or his chart-topping solo hits, there’s a particular album in his discography that resonates uniquely with the theme of transit: his 1993 release, Taxi. Far from being a mere collection of songs, Taxi represents a significant stop on Ferry's illustrious solo voyage, showcasing his unparalleled ability to reinterpret and redefine, much like a skilled driver navigating familiar routes with fresh perspective. It's an album that invites listeners to buckle up for a refined, enigmatic ride through a landscape of classic tunes, all delivered with Bryan Ferry’s unmistakable flair.
Bryan Ferry, born on 26 September 1945, has cultivated a career that is as rich and multifaceted as the sounds he has created. His journey to becoming a cultural icon began not in the recording studio, but in the art school. Studying fine art and even teaching briefly at a secondary school, Ferry's artistic sensibilities were honed long before he assembled Roxy Music in London around 1970. The band achieved immediate international success with their self-titled debut album in 1972, a testament to Ferry's vision and his interest in exploring diverse musical genres. Their subsequent album, For Your Pleasure (1973), further solidified their unique sound and visual image, establishing Ferry as a leading figure in music and fashion throughout the 1970s.
Parallel to his work with Roxy Music, Ferry embarked on a solo career in 1973, releasing These Foolish Things. This album was a daring departure, popularising the concept of a contemporary musician releasing an album entirely comprised of cover versions of standard songs. It was a bold move that showcased his versatility and foreshadowed the direction he would take with Taxi decades later. His second solo album, Another Time, Another Place (1974), continued this exploration, featuring Ferry in a now-iconic pose by a pool, clad in a white dinner jacket – a persona Rolling Stone magazine aptly dubbed the 'dandy of the bizarre'. These early solo efforts demonstrated Ferry's willingness to take the scenic route, exploring different musical landscapes even as Roxy Music continued to flourish.
The Journey to 'Taxi': A Solo Evolution
After a highly successful run with Roxy Music, which saw the release of a trilogy of influential albums – Stranded (1973), Country Life (1974), and Siren (1975) – and saw Ferry reinventing himself with various stage costumes, he decided to disband the group in 1983. This decision, following the release of Roxy Music's best-selling album Avalon the previous year, marked a pivotal moment, allowing Ferry to fully concentrate on his solo career. The transition proved fruitful. His 1985 album, Boys and Girls, became a monumental success, reaching No. 1 in the UK and spawning hit singles such as 'Slave to Love' and 'Don't Stop the Dance'. This was followed by Bête Noire in 1987, which also achieved Top 10 status in the UK. These albums cemented Ferry's position as a formidable solo artist, capable of producing sophisticated, chart-topping original material. His unique vocal style, often described as an 'elegant, seductive croon', became his signature, guiding listeners through his intricate musical compositions.
Behind the Wheel: The Making of 'Taxi'
In 1993, Bryan Ferry released his eighth solo studio album, simply titled Taxi. For fans of his original compositions, this album was a return to his earlier solo ventures, focusing entirely on cover versions. Like a seasoned taxi driver navigating familiar streets, Ferry took well-known musical routes but imbued them with his signature style, transforming them into something uniquely his own. The album, released on Virgin Records, quickly found an audience, peaking at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart. While it wasn't his highest-charting album, its consistent performance demonstrated Ferry's enduring appeal and the public's appetite for his interpretations. The choice of title itself, Taxi, evokes a sense of movement, of picking up and dropping off, of a journey through various musical landscapes and emotional states. Each song is a passenger, carefully transported and delivered with Bryan Ferry's inimitable grace and sophistication.
What sets Taxi apart is Ferry's distinctive approach to cover versions. Rather than simply replicating the originals, he re-imagines them, infusing each track with his characteristic blend of melancholic romance and cool detachment. The album features a diverse selection of songs, ranging from standards to more contemporary pop and rock tracks, all filtered through Ferry's unique artistic lens. His voice, that elegant, seductive croon, is the constant, guiding presence throughout the album. It’s a testament to his artistry that he can take a song, regardless of its original genre or era, and make it sound as though it was written specifically for him. This ability to absorb and then reinterpret is a hallmark of his career, stretching back to These Foolish Things. The album showcases his distinctive image and sartorial style, even if only audibly, as the arrangements and delivery exude the same polished sophistication that defines his visual persona. The experience of listening to Taxi is akin to a bespoke ride in a luxury vehicle; every detail is considered, every turn is smooth, and the destination is always captivating.
One might consider Taxi to be a sonic equivalent of a carefully curated playlist for a long drive, where each song takes you to a different emotional or nostalgic destination. It reinforces Ferry's reputation as a prolific songwriter who, paradoxically, also excels at interpreting the works of others. This album, much like a well-maintained taxi, is a reliable and stylish vehicle for exploring familiar ground with a fresh perspective.
A Timeless Ride: Bryan Ferry's Enduring Legacy
Taxi stands as a significant chapter in Bryan Ferry's extensive discography, highlighting his continued evolution as a solo artist. While his next album, Mamouna (1994), marked a return to original material after seven years and featured contributions from former Roxy Music members like Brian Eno, Taxi solidified his mastery of the cover album format. It proved that even after decades in the music industry, Ferry still had new roads to explore and new ways to captivate his audience. His career, spanning over 50 years, has seen him sell over 30 million albums worldwide, both with Roxy Music and as a solo artist. His induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 as a member of Roxy Music further underscores his immense contribution to music. The Taxi album, in its subtle brilliance, is a testament to an artist who, much like a seasoned driver, knows every turn and every shortcut, yet always manages to make the journey feel fresh and exciting.
| Album Title | Release Year | UK Albums Chart Peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boys and Girls | 1985 | 1 | Major solo breakthrough |
| Bête Noire | 1987 | Top 10 | Continued success |
| Taxi | 1993 | 10 | Covers album |
| Mamouna | 1994 | 11 | First original material in 7 years |
| Album Title | Release Year | Key Style / Era |
|---|---|---|
| These Foolish Things | 1973 | Early solo, diverse covers |
| Another Time, Another Place | 1974 | Jazz/Pop standards, iconic imagery |
| Let's Stick Together | 1976 | Re-recordings and covers |
| Taxi | 1993 | Diverse covers, post-Roxy Music focus |
| As Time Goes By | 1999 | Great American Songbook |
| Dylanesque | 2007 | Bob Dylan covers |
Frequently Asked Questions About Bryan Ferry and 'Taxi'
- When did Bryan Ferry release the album 'Taxi'?
- Bryan Ferry released his album 'Taxi' in 1993. It was first released on 31 August 1994 in Japan and then on 5 September in the UK, but the provided information states 1993 for the album 'Taxi' in the context of his solo career. We will go with 1993 as the primary release year as stated in the career overview.
- Was 'Taxi' an album of original songs?
- No, 'Taxi' is primarily an album of cover versions, where Bryan Ferry reinterprets songs by other artists. This was a concept he had explored earlier in his solo career with albums like 'These Foolish Things'.
- How did 'Taxi' perform on the UK charts?
- The album 'Taxi' peaked at number 10 on the UK Albums Chart.
- What was Bryan Ferry's solo career like before the release of 'Taxi'?
- Before 'Taxi', Bryan Ferry had a highly successful solo career following the disbandment of Roxy Music in 1983. His 1985 album 'Boys and Girls' reached No. 1 in the UK, and 'Bête Noire' (1987) also went Top 10 in the UK, establishing him as a prominent solo artist.
- Did Bryan Ferry receive any awards or recognition for his work?
- Yes, in 2019, Bryan Ferry was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Roxy Music, acknowledging his significant impact on music.
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