Coming off the success of the previous year's
Reconciled,
the Call returned in 1987 with
Into the Woods. The slow-building "I Don't Wanna" is a bit ragged at moments but reaches an impressive sonic swell and
Michael Been's vocals are passionate as always. "In the River"'s tone is forlorn, but backed by a solid, smoldering melody and gospel background vocals. A tumbling, percussive beat drives "It Could've Been Mean," a rumination on fate that is simple, yet effective. "Day or Night" probably comes the closest to best capturing the band's usual anthemic style. Much of
In the Woods has a darker, more serious feel to it. The somber, introspective nature of the lyrics and the lack of a track with a hook as memorable as the radio hits from
Reconciled undoubtedly doomed a further commercial breakthrough. However,
Into the Woods is a worthy and challenging artistic follow-up. ~ Tom Demalon