AMG Review of Winds of Change

Joseph McCombs
All Music Guide

The utter absence of Paul Kantner (save for "I Came Back from the Jaws of the Dragon") means that Winds of Change, more than any previous Jefferson Starship effort, relies on the input of outside songwriters. Primary among these writers is Jeannette Sears, wife of band guitarist/keyboardist Pete Sears, whose four efforts are pleasantly structured but lyrically trite. Grace Slick, who officially returned to the band for this album after guesting on Modern Times, offers an engaging performance on the sultry "Black Widow." Meanwhile, Mickey Thomas is his predictable, consistent self, filling in the high lead nicely on the moderate hit singles "Be My Lady" and the title track. In the hands of another band, Winds of Change might be passable '80s fare, but more should be expected in light of the vast Jefferson family discography.