Townshend: "Chinese Eyes" (WEA). Without a doubt this is Pete Townshend's solo masterpiece. A complete re-think by the man and the artist on his life and profession.

"Chinese Eyes" takes Townshend past his near redundant labouring with The Who and establishes him as a separate artist in his own right.

The songs on the album chart the conflict and despair he has been through over past years; his coming to terms with middle age and an awareness of what is happening to the music industry in general. Yet also there remains a poignant insight into the youth of today. His ability to catch the moment in time is marvellous.

"Uniforms" displays how brilliantly he observes the changing street styles that give so much credability to teenagers of all generations.

Phoney Also along the same line he displays the crazy way of life in California in "Equisitely Bored". A superb lampoon on the West Coast scene, right down to the phoney soft rock production.

The traditional song "North Country Girl" gives full vent to Townshend's stylish vocals. The orchestration rises and falls with the swell of his voice right up to the anti-nuke sting in the song's tail.

But for me the songs "The Sea Refuses No River" and "Slit Skirts" are pure Pete Townshend, he captures himself so perfectly in the lyrics. One identifies with his fears and also his joys. Growing old and being reborn, taking stock of life. He's done all of these with a remarkable amount of integrity, and above all skill.

This album displays the talent of an artist who can remain separate from the traps of stardom and also in touch with the realities of today.