pier_paolo_farina

DeRank : 9,02 • DeAge™ : 7058 days

 The highlight of this debut work by Magellan should be the initial "Magna Charta", over fourteen intense minutes very much in the Kansas style.

 Album, and band, exclusively for heavy progressive enthusiasts, but with some melodic openings capable of attracting even less specific listeners.

Magellan's 1991 debut 'Hour Of Restoration' blends progressive metal complexity with melodic elements. The album, a conceptual exploration of British medieval history, features intricate compositions and emotional depth despite mechanical drum programming. While not a commercial success, it holds appeal for heavy progressive enthusiasts and showcases the talents of Trent and Wayne Gardner. Discover the intricate sounds of Magellan’s debut and dive into the rich world of progressive metal!

 The two know how to play, sing, and harmonize with each other very well; the musicians hired to accompany them are top-notch.

 'Wayland The Rabbit' is a somewhat sad song and therefore not for every occasion, but truly touching.

Seals & Crofts' 1975 album 'I'll Play For You' is a fine example of soft rock and folk fusion with excellent vocal harmonies and professional instrumentation. The duo’s skill in blending acoustic and melodic elements shines throughout the album despite some lyrical religious themes. Highlights include the intricate 'Castles In The Sand' and the touching 'Wayland The Rabbit,' supported by notable guest musicians and rich production. The album, though starting modestly, builds towards a powerful and accomplished closing. Explore 'I'll Play For You' and experience the timeless soft rock harmonies of Seals & Crofts today!

 Wetton is a good talent, though not excellent; he has a nice baritone voice, remarkable but not epochal.

 Besides 'Arkangel' the song, truly touching and a notch above everything else, I’m also interested in the arpeggiated 'You Against The World' and the acoustic 'Nothing Happens for Nothing.'

Arkangel is a 1997 solo album by John Wetton featuring a mix of accessible progressive rock and pop elements. The album benefits from strong guest appearances by Robert Fripp and Steve Hackett but suffers from generally forgettable songwriting and simplistic lyrics. Wetton’s skills as a bassist and vocalist are solid but not groundbreaking. While some tracks stand out, the overall work remains a modest achievement within his varied career. Discover John Wetton’s Arkangel—listen now and explore this unique blend of prog rock craftsmanship and heartfelt performances.

 If I had to exemplify the essence and quality of southern rock at its peak to someone, I would choose this live number from ARS!

 Formidable class, brilliant and full of feeling soloists, competence, and passion, total absence of narcissism or other types of arrogance.

The live album 'Are You Ready?' by Atlanta Rhythm Section captures the band at their peak with vibrant southern rock performances. The review highlights strong musicianship, especially Barry Bailey's guitar work and Ronnie Hammond's vocals. The audience's enthusiasm elevates the concert atmosphere. Classic tracks like 'Sky High' and 'Angel' are praised for their expressive live renditions. This album exemplifies the band's skill and the southern rock genre's essence. Listen to 'Are You Ready?' and experience southern rock at its finest with Atlanta Rhythm Section's legendary live energy!

 ‘This still youthful "Quick..." from 1990 works great as a light and overly sentimental but classy product, somewhat jazz, somewhat soul, quite funky and quite electronic.’

 ‘The second is an irresistibly romantic ballad, arranged with grace and effectiveness, that makes up for the extreme sentimentality with a beautiful melody and a lush interpretation.’

Alfie Zappacosta’s 1990 album Quick! Don’t Ask Any Questions offers a classy blend of pop, jazz, funk, and electronic sounds. The album features elegant piano work, a fine classical guitar presence, and blue-eyed soul influences reminiscent of Hall & Oates and Simply Red. Standout tracks include the danceable 'Nothing To Do With Love' and the romantic 'Simple Word To Say.' Though somewhat sentimental, the album is musically rich and emotionally engaging. Listen to Alfie Zappacosta’s soulful blend of funk, jazz, and pop in Quick! Don’t Ask Any Questions and explore a hidden '90s gem today!

 Tom Scholz, the factotum of this group/project... has lost his mind, and this is now established.

 The banality of these eleven songs is unbearable for anyone who has in their ears the magnificence of invaluable sound architectures such as 'Long Time' and 'More Than A Feeling.'

This review harshly critiques Boston's 2013 album 'Life, Hope & Love' as their weakest effort, a far cry from their iconic 1970s records. While Tom Scholz remains central, the album suffers from uninspired songs, poor use of electronic drums, and lackluster guitar solos. Vocal performances fragment rather than unify, resulting in a disappointing and amateurish final product. The reviewer laments the fall from the band's pioneering AOR glory to a decline in creativity and quality. Discover why Boston's latest album disappoints fans and critics alike—read the full review and explore their classic hits!

 "'Send Her My Love' is forever recorded in the annals of American melodic rock where everything is perfect."

 "The album earns its four stars in the end thanks to its three ballads: this has often been the case in the works of this group."

Journey's 1983 album Frontiers marks the peak of their established sound with no lineup changes since Escape. Highlights include iconic ballads like 'Send Her My Love' and 'Faithfully' that showcase the band's melodic strengths. The album mixes thrilling hits with average tracks, maintaining a characteristic inconsistency found in their work. Overall, Frontiers earns four stars driven mostly by its powerful ballads and polished production. Dive into Journey's Frontiers and experience the timeless rock ballads and hits that define 80s melodic rock.

 Mudanzas has its own unique sound, recalling the 'analog' early seventies like perhaps no other.

 "I Believe It" is an orthodox but remarkable slow blues in minor key, punctuated by the full-blast orchestral blaring.

Stray's 1973 album Mudanzas offers an earnest second-tier British blues rock experience enriched with orchestral elements and a distinctive guitar sound. While the album lacks standout hits and strong vocal presence, its analog vintage production and the track "I Believe It" provide memorable moments. The record showcases the band's solid musicianship within its era, though it falls short of being a classic. Explore Stray's Mudanzas for a nostalgic journey through 70s blues rock with a rich orchestral twist and unique guitar sound.

 The fifth album by Journey isn’t much, but it sold very well at the time (1979), riding the positive wave of Infinity.

 Steve Smith is one of those simply perfect and incredibly eclectic drummers who can play everything and adapt to anything.

Journey's fifth album, Evolution (1979), represents a transitional phase for the band. While it didn’t reach the creative heights of its predecessor Infinity, it introduced key lineup changes, notably the arrival of drummer Steve Smith. Steve Perry’s dominance as lead singer grew stronger. The album includes the hit 'Lovin’ Touchin’ Squeezin’,' which helped its commercial success. Though not a landmark in rock history, Evolution paved the way for the band's future breakthrough. Discover Journey’s pivotal Evolution album—listen to the classic hit and explore the band’s rise to rock greatness!

 The band reappears for the last time as a quartet, this time also trying to assess who has the most effective lead vocals.

 We are on the eve of a necessary turning point, the most important in their career because there would not have been a commercial chance for a fourth album structured in this manner.

Journey's third album 'Next' shows moments of progress but largely remains a mediocre blend of melodic hard rock with progressive and fusion influences. Vocal duties are split between Gregg Rolie and Neal Schon, with mixed success. The production and arrangements improve sporadically, though some instrumental excesses and rigid drumming detract. The album foreshadows the band's need for a new direction, which would come with their next release. Explore Journey's 'Next' to hear the early sound that paved the way for their breakthrough albums.