RICK SPRINGFIELD'S previous studio album, 'Tao', went a good way to redefine his creative ambitions as he had previously, rather unjustly, been labelled as a glamorous pop rock idol with an acting profile that forever appeared to overshadow his musical career. At this point Springfield was at a crossroads in his life both professionally and personally, looking for answers to a multitude questions that had begun to increase in importance and complexity.'Rock Of Life' was, in many ways, a continuance of the themes touched on with 'Tao'. Songs such as 'Honeymoon In Beirut', 'World Start Turning', 'Woman' and the title track, are profoundly poignant, confessional and focus on specific personal issues. But whilst the lyrical content may be heavy, the musical support is anything but. Produced to pin-point accuracy by long-time collaborator Keith Olsen, the music is seriously upbeat, dynamic and very cutting edge, in fact it's is generally regarded as one of the best sounding albums of the era.Originally issued in 1988, 'Rock Of Life' may not have been a chart smash but it definitely helped to quash any thoughts that he may have been just a pretty face with little to say. Surrounded by some of the best session players of the time, including guitarists Tim Pierce and Dan Huff (Giant), the album stands out for a number of reasons as arguably his greatest achievement.