Gentle Giant
Giant For A Day

With "Giant For A Day" (released in 1978, again on Chrysalis) we are undoubtedly facing the least successful album of the entire wonderful discography of Gentle Giant. If in the previous "The Missing Piece" much of the band's musical offering had taken on a defined pop form, with short songs and simple, commercial melodies, there were few doubts that the sequel would continue in that direction. Let's be clear, it's still an album by "Gentle Giant". The same applies broadly as for "The Missing Piece", with the addition that in "Giant For A Day" the distinctly pop tracks are more numerous and, when listened to with the exclusive progressive repertoire of the band forgotten, the album certainly appears respectable and enjoyable.

It is an album that ranges widely and broadly. There are rock songs, very hard and decided, light and very pop tracks, some funky jumps and some fortunate progressive spaces that raise the head of the Gentle Giant. Yes, precisely the "head of the Gentle Giant", which is depicted on the cover and is cut-out (there are even instructions for doing it precisely!). This choice, which was never fully shared by all the band members, triggered the immediate protests of the audience, who accused the band of becoming too frivolous and of having slightly tarnished the intellectual image that had been built over many years. To be honest, it was Kerry Minnear himself who declared in an interview, some years later, that it was just an idea that seemed good at first, to have a personal icon for the group and to provide the fans with the opportunity to attend concerts with the large face of the Gentle Giant. It might have been better to include a gadget with the record, so as not to completely ruin the LP cover. Curiously enough, the vinyl record, which didn't enjoy many sales, is hard to find in intact conditions. It suggests that in some way the idea was followed by the fans and was appreciated.

Returning to the album contents, even with "Giant For A Day" "Chrysalis" decided to accompany the LP with the release of some singles both in the USA and the United Kingdom: the tracks chosen as singles were "Thank You" and "Words From The Wise", with "Spooky Bolgie" and "No Stranger" as B-sides. This time, the singles' material all comes from the recently released album. Analyzing immediately the tracks chosen for the 45s, "Words From The Wise" is an excellent opening piece, with the beautiful "a cappella" chorus, with all five members singing, leading the decided funky base of the track. Derek's voice, in this piece (as in the whole album), is truly remarkable, perhaps like never before in the latest Gentle Giant. It was a fitting choice as a chart hit (to be honest, it wasn't very successful). "Thank You", the other single, is guided by the notes of a simple, full yet sumptuous acoustic guitar, powerfully accompanied by Ray Schulman's bass. The very melodic choruses and Weathers' convincing drumming increase the interest of this pop track. With a slightly more accurate arrangement, "Thank You" would have been a much more interesting track. "Giant For A Day" is another catchy piece, with humorous content, full of echo effects and a crescendo construction, rich in instrumental backgrounds at the limits of minimalism. Excellent are the rounded synthesizer riffs by Minnear and Green's omnipresent electric guitar. "Spooky Bolgie" is an intriguing instrumental. Not since "Talybont" from the "Free Hand" album in 1975 had the Gentle Giant engaged in such a manner. "Spooky Boogie" is an entertaining piece ideal, for example, at a Halloween party thanks to the eerie, mysterious yet phenomenal organ execution by Minnear. Also, the addition of Marimbas played by John or Kerry adds considerable color to the excellent choruses. A short track, but truly delightful. In the piece, Gary Green's amusing screams can be heard. "Take Me" is simple pop, dynamic in atmosphere with complex and irresistible choral vocal parts. Ray Schulman's bass stands out.
The B-side opens with the gritty rock of "Little Brown Bag", a song that reveals Derek's aggressive voice and the interpretative vein of Green and Weathers. However, it is not a memorable page of the album. Different is the case for "Friends", perhaps the best track. A delightful, clear, and simple piece in perfect classic "Gentle Giant" style. Written and sung for the first time by drummer Weathers, it has a genuine content that highlights Green's memorable acoustic guitar arpeggio. "No Stranger" is a very short, very catchy track. Atmospheric and minimalist, it would definitely be worth framing in an extended version with a more meticulous arrangement. Definitely preferable to "Take Me", whose arrangement received much more care.
"It's Only Goodbye" vies with "Friends" for the title of best track on the album. Drastically different from the latter, "It's Only Goodbye" is a ballad largely supported by Green's guitars, both acoustic and electric. Derek's voice is perfect, and Kerry Minnear's isolated piano digressions are spot-on and commendable. The album closes with "Rock Climber" which, like "Little Brown Bag", is a dizzying hard rock that obviously highlights Green's extraordinary guitar and Weathers' valuable sound on drums.

In conclusion, "Giant For A Day" is a fun and sunny pop album with extremely simplified compositions but with the usual class and mastery as always. Certainly not among the best of the English line-up, it would have clearly been of higher caliber if it had been credited with more care in arrangements and production.