It's unfair to say that had no pretensions prior to the addition of and to the lineup in 1975. When they were led by they often flirted with , even recording the first version of the unabashedly smooth and sappy which would later be one of the defining hits of the late '70s. Still, there's no denying that 1975's represents not just the rebirth of the band, but in effect a second debut for the group -- the introduction of a band that would dominate the sound of American and British mainstream for the next seven years. In fact, in retrospect, it's rather stunning how thoroughly , who had previously recorded as a duo and were romantically entangled in the past, overtook the band. As soon as the Californian duo came onboard, turned into a West Coast band, transforming the very identity of the band and pushing the band's other songwriter, keyboardist , to a kindred sound. It could have all been too mellow if it weren't for the nervy, restless spirit of , whose insistent opener, sets the tone for the rest of the album, as well the next few years of the group's career. Surging with a pushily melodic chorus and a breezy Californian feel, the song has little to do with anything had done before this, and it is a positively brilliant slice of songwriting, simultaneously urgent and timeless. After that barnstorming opener, lies back a bit, contributing only two other songs -- a cover of ' the second best up-tempo song here, and the closer, -- while the rest of the album is given over to the wily spirits of , whose singles deservedly made this into a blockbuster. But a bandmember's contribution can never be reduced to his own tracks, and not only gives the production depth, he motivates the rest of the band, particularly , to do great work, not just on the hit singles but the album tracks that give this record depth. It was diverse without being forced, percolating with innovative ideas, all filtered through an accessible yet sophisticated sensibility. While had more hits and was an inspired work of mad genius, wrote the blueprint for Californian of the late '70s and was the standard the rest were judged by. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine