In Style (Bonus Track Version)

David Johansen spent many years searching for that elusive hit. The New York Dolls and his solo career never took off while his Buster Poindexter persona busted through to prime-time. In the meantime, he recorded a sizable catalog of fine music that proves he’s more than a Mick Jagger look-a-like. Johansen has a stylistic flexibility that’s on full display on his second solo album, 1979’s In Style. There’s an extra polish on the hook-driven “Melody” that should’ve been a hit. “She” cranks with producer Mick Ronson’s influence carrying through. But the real excitement here is on the adventurous turns. “Big City” cruises in luxury with nighttime horns softening the reality. “Swaheto Woman” adds a disco groove (and appears in its five-minute album version and three-minute single edit). Reggae accents highlight “She Knew She Was Falling In Love” Johansen even trips out on a Springsteen-like epic for “Justine” and “Flamingo Road.” Street-tough but savvy, Johansen had the talent and instincts to become a big star and the tunes featured here sure sound like hits.