Some Things Never Change (1997) – Album by Supertramp
Introduction
Released in 1997, Some Things Never Change is the tenth studio album by Supertramp. It is the first studio album after a decade-long gap following Free as a Bird (1987) and represents a mature phase of the band led solely by Rick Davies.
The album blends progressive rock elements, melodic pop, and adult contemporary styles, reflecting both the band’s roots and the changes in rock music during the 1990s. While it did not achieve major commercial success, the album demonstrates Supertramp’s continued creativity and musical craftsmanship.
Some Things Never Change emphasizes Rick Davies’s songwriting and the band’s signature sound, proving that the essence of Supertramp remained intact even after decades of evolution.
Album Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Supertramp |
| Album | Some Things Never Change |
| Release Date | 1997 |
| Genre | Pop Rock, Soft Rock, Progressive Rock |
| Label | EMI |
| Producers | Rick Davies |
| Length | 52:34 |
Tracklist
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Free as a Bird (re-recorded version)
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Will It Last?
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Maybe I'm a Beggar
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You Win, I Lose
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Broken Hearted
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I Can't Wait
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There Is a Place
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Just Another Nervous Wreck
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My Beautiful World
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For Emily
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A Woman in My Life
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Some Things Never Change
Note: Some editions include bonus tracks or alternate mixes, depending on region.
Album Credits
Band Members
Rick Davies
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Keyboards
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Vocals
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Producer
John Helliwell
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Saxophone
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Clarinet
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Backing Vocals
Bob Siebenberg
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Drums
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Percussion
Mark Hart
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Guitars
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Keyboards
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Backing Vocals
Additional Musicians
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Session musicians contributed bass, additional guitars, and backing vocals for a polished 1990s sound.
Production
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Producer: Rick Davies
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Recording Studios: Various studios in the UK and US
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Label: EMI
The production aimed to modernize Supertramp’s sound while retaining the band’s signature melodic and progressive style.
Cover Art
The cover features a sunset over a calm sea, symbolizing reflection, continuity, and nostalgia. The imagery aligns with the album title, Some Things Never Change, suggesting that the core essence of Supertramp’s music remains consistent despite changes in lineup and era.
The overall aesthetic is minimalist and contemplative, reflecting the reflective tone of the album.
Musical Style
The album blends:
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Melodic pop rock – accessible and radio-friendly tracks
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Soft progressive rock elements – intricate keyboard and saxophone arrangements
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Adult contemporary sensibilities – mature themes and lyrics
Songs like Will It Last? and You Win, I Lose reflect reflective songwriting, while tracks like Free as a Bird (re-recorded) connect to the band’s 1980s legacy.
Fun Facts
🎹 Mark Hart Joins the Band
This album features Mark Hart (later associated with Crowded House), who contributed guitars, keyboards, and backing vocals.
🎹 Long Gap Between Studio Albums
Some Things Never Change came a full decade after the previous studio album, making it a significant return for Supertramp.
🎹 Mix of Old and New
The album revisits earlier themes while exploring new lyrical and musical ideas.
Trivia
• Despite being released in 1997, the album retains classic Supertramp characteristics, including melodic hooks and saxophone prominence.
• The title track, Some Things Never Change, is often interpreted as a homage to the band’s enduring style.
• The album includes a re-recorded version of “Free as a Bird”, giving fans a modernized take on the 1987 song.
• It is the first major studio release after Roger Hodgson’s departure, fully showcasing Rick Davies’s vision.
Did You Know?
💡 Some Things Never Change reflects Supertramp’s attempt to blend 1970s and 1980s sensibilities with 1990s production techniques.
💡 The album is highly regarded by fans for staying true to the melodic and progressive roots of the band.
💡 Mark Hart’s contributions on keyboards and guitars added a fresh dynamic to the band’s sound.
💡 Although it did not achieve major commercial success, the album is considered a strong representation of Supertramp’s later career.
Download Supertramp Albums from Amazon Music
More Albums:
Supertramp - Supertramp (1970)
Supertramp - Indelibly Stamped (1971)
Supertramp - Crime of the Century (1974)
Supertramp - Crisis? What Crisis? (1975)
Supertramp - Even in the Quietest Moments (1977)
Supertramp - Breakfast in America (1979)
