Scott Walker - Track Three (Virgin)

A lot of people have been waiting for this record. Scott Walker – one-time half of the legendary Walker Brothers – hasn't released a record for six years, but interest in him as a cult figure, musical maverick and all-round enigma has never died. As a fan myself, I found 'Track Three' disappointing. It's a capable modern pop song, and the old Walker voice is as wonderful as ever. But there are dozens of songs in his back-catalogue that knock spots off this one. And dozens of new pop records that do that particular job a lot better. The B-side, "Blanket Roll Blues", is a better indication of his real nature – dark and honestly strange. (Maureen Rice, No 1, March 3, 1984)