No Exit

In the 90's all the bands from the previous 3 decades came back, usually just to cash in. This CD is a welcome exception -- it could have been released in 1982 and done extremely well. Yes, it's eclectic, but Blondie always has been, and each genre they try they pull off with their usual panache.Ably assisted by session bassist Leigh Foxx and lyricist Romy Ashby, the 4 original members Harry, Stein, Destri, and Burke show no deterioration at all. Burke's drumming may be even better, and Harry's smooth and limber voice is still remarkable. Her phrasing and pitch control are actually improved and her bell-like tone is still there; her vocal center has shifted down by a tone or so, so that while she still hits the high notes she doesn't sustain them for quite as long (most apparent on the 3 bonus tracks at the end, where you can compare live renditions of "Dreaming", "Call Me", and "Rapture" with the ones on your old records -- overall the vocals are at least as good).It took me two listens to really "get" all the songs, which means they're not quite as "poppy" as the old albums which grabbed you right away, but still extremely accessible. Every single song is good."Screaming Skin" does Brecht one better, with lots of subtle musical stuff going on and very clever lyrics. "Maria" deserves its chart position just for the line "She's like a millionaire, walking on imported air". The title track "No Exit" confirms that Blondie's always understood that rap music is MUSIC. "Night Wind Sent" is haunting and moody, probably the central song on the album emotionally. "Out in the Streets" is a great cover. "Happy Dog" is a hoot. "The Dream's Lost on Me" is a real nice country song which gets a bit of an edge from Harry's precise diction (she doesn't attempt a twang or a drawl). "Dig Up the Conjo" takes a bit of getting used to but is totally gripping once you're into it. The songs I haven't mentioned are all good and would be solid contributors to any of Blondie's other albums.Random note -- I originally described Debbie Harry's voice as "unmistakable" above, but then realized I'd found a soundalike recently -- check out the track "I Know my Love", sung by the Corrs on the Chieftains' new album "Tears of Stone" (the other two best tracks on that album are Natalie Merchant's "The Lowlands of Holland" and Joan Osborne's "Raglan Road").

I admit, when I first listened to the album, it kinda left me with a bad taste in my mouth. Maria was the highlight and the reason I bought it.But after giving it a few more shots, I started to see the genius of Blondie and everything that is unique about them. Music today is all about selling as much as you can, and everything is really starting to sound like the same, uninspired noise. Not Blondie, they still sound as unique as in the 70's but with a modern flavor.They do whatever the heck they want, and that's what's missing in music today, someone willing make music that sounds good to them and share it with the world. There's heart and soul in this album and you'll find it if you give it a chance.Plus you get a little bit of everything and everything done well: some jazz, some hip-hop (no matter what anyone says, it's always hott to hear Debbie Harry rap), some rock, and even some "WTF?!"'s.I don't know about pop though, if there is pop in this album, it's got too much Blondie flavor to be recognizable. And not one song sounds anything like the last, that's rare and shows true talent.I definitely think Curse of Blondie is a major improvement and worth checking out as well. Get 'em both!

I was never a Blondie fan -- didn't really like or dislike them. I recently read Debbie Harry's autobiography and decided to do a deep dive thru the band's entire discography, as well as Harry's solo efforts. Because NO EXIT isn't available on any streaming service, nor is available to purchase digitally, I had to listen to it on YouTube. I ended up liking or loving 13/14 of the tracks (oddly, the one I didn't like was the title track). Anyway, I ended up buying a used copy of the CD and am thrilled with my purchase.

In many ways this is one Blondie album that not only matches their earlier outputs, but, in many ways - surpasses them! Having just recently purchased the whole of Blondie's output (attended a recent show and was blown away) I had the luxury of reviewing each record with fresh ears. This record still captures that classic Blondie sound but with a much more sophisticated angle. The band is top notch - the production is superb, the songs are excellent! "Maria" has to rank as one of the finest songs, ever!

Sure, "Maria" rocks - but the rest of the album is worth a listen too. The live tracks are some fun "blasts from the past" (plus price was GREAT, delivery was FAST)

Good album. Enjoy all that I have heard on it. A standard departure from more traditional rock music as they always have been. If you like Blondie you will like this one. If you don't like them, I don't think this album wil make you start. If you never heard them, this one is a little more modern sounding than some of the others. I would start with earlier works first.

I love that Blondie is making music again but let's face it, Debbie's voice just isn't what it used to be. It's not terrible or anything like that but don't buy this expecting the old Blondie sound we all know and love because Debbie just can't quite hit those notes anymore.

I am an old Blondie fan, so whats not to like???