When it was first released in 1976,
Resolution garnered great critical acclaim. While claims by Rolling Stone that
Pratt "has forever changed the face of rock" seem far-fetched, it still is one of the finest singer-songwriter albums of the '70s. While
Pratt's expressive, but sometimes high-pitched, voice may not be everyone's cup of tea, there is no denying that the songs themselves were superb. Furthermore, the arrangements and intricacies within each selection were something to behold. No two songs sound alike, yet there is a thematic link between everything presented -- that being the power of love to pull, push, and sustain every human being. The idealism and optimism that is pervasive throughout is balanced by a sense of how hard it is to reach that point, and thus the hopefulness seems real and earned. It is difficult to say which cuts are the highlight of the album, since each is so well thought out and constructed. Every listener will undoubtedly choose particular favorites. The range of music varies from jazzy ("Set Your Sights") to melodic and gentle pop("Everything Falls Into Place"(Lillian's Song)," to nearly hard rock ("Karen's Song"). Also particularly worth noting is the complex arrangements on "That's When Miracles Occur" and the father-son theme explored on the moving "Can't Stop My Love" (which explores
Pratt's feelings related to his father's death). Although this album never attained the commercial success that many predicted, it remains a classic that deserves to be heard by a wide audience. ~ Michael Ofjord