Critic's Review
Mike DeGagne, All Music Guide
Although John Wetton is at the helm throughout all of these tracks, King's Road, 1972-1980 is really a collaboration of progressive rock artists that have joined Wetton across each of the 13 songs. Wetton's renditions of songs by his former bands King Crimson and UK come off quite clean and refined, especially "As Long As You Want Me Here" from 1979's Night After Night Live album and the opening "Nothing to Lose" off Danger Money. While his efforts at singing the King Crimson tracks lack the magic and fullness they exhibit in their original form, they still maintain a slight electrified feel. The entire 12 minutes of "Starless" from the classic Red album makes for an excellent finishing track, brought marvelously back to life with the steady drumming of Bill Bruford and the sparkling keyboard work of Robert Fripp. Five tracks are from Wetton's Caught in the Crossfire solo album, including the rock & roll-paced "Turn on the Radio" and the earnest-sounding "Cold Is the Night." Wetton is joined by such famed musicians as guitarists Allan Holdsworth and Phil Manzanera, saxophone player Mel Collins, and keyboard player Eddie Jobson, giving the album a noticeable depth. King's Road, 1972-1980 stands as an enjoyable compilation of John Wetton's strongest pieces.
