Scott 2

SCOTT 2 represents the axis of the singer's career. Somehow Scott Walker (by now writing under his given name, Engel) carved himself a commercial as well as critical success just as the pop star's existential angst assumed the upper hand. As with predecessor SCOTT, the fascination with Jacques Brel is evident in the inclusion of three of the Belgian's songs. "Next" is as shockingly graphic as "The Girls and the Dogs" is comic, but most instantly identifiable is "Jacky." This U.K.-banned hit single and leadoff track heralds the record's arrival at bawdy, breakneck speed.
The Brel influence smothers one of SCOTT 2's four Engel originals, "The Girls from the Streets." For all its grandeur, the song feels like an homage. No such accusations can be leveled at "Plastic Palace People" or "The Amorous Humphrey Plugg," where Scott's writing begins to flower, his voice assuming a towering poise and distinction. The whole of SCOTT 2 is lent weight by the wildly inventive arrangements of Wally Stott, Peter Knight, and Reg Guest. One or two MOR covers aside, the combination of vocals and orchestration is magically evocative.