by Joseph McCombsWinds of Change is, along with its predecessor Modern Times, one of the weakest entries in the Jefferson Starship catalog. The utter absence of Paul Kantner (save for the obtuse and confused politics of "I Came Back from the Jaws of the Dragon") means that this album, more than any previous 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 and blandly executed by the group. 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," only to counteract it with the utter train wreck "Out of Control." Meanwhile, Mickey Thomas is his predictable, consistent self, generally heartless in his lead vocals but 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 in light of the vast Jefferson family discography, the album is strikingly unadventurous and hardly worthy of the band's legacy.