Uriah Heep
Come Away Melinda: The Ballads

THE REVIEW

This album I am about to review is a collection of the most famous ballads from a great band of the Seventies: Uriah Heep. The group, I think, needs no introduction... if it really means nothing to you, I could name three of their most beautiful albums, "The Magician's Birthday," "Demons & Wizards," and "Salisbury." This collection was released in 2001 and was the first Uriah Heep record I bought blindly, as I had not yet listened to any of their work. The album contains eighteen tracks ranging from 1970 to 1978, thus encapsulating the band's first magical period.

We are faced with sweet and delicate songs like the moving "Come Away Melinda," which with its melody seems to almost caress the listener. Truly one of the most beautiful ballads from the British combo. Then we continue with the famous "Lady In The Black," a piece with a rock-folk sound like the Byrds, capable of enchanting from the very first notes. "The Park" is introduced by a soft keyboard that immediately creates a nice atmosphere and melody, where Mick Box's arpeggios later join in. A truly unique track, dominated by the sensual and almost feminine voice of the unforgettable David Byron, which makes everything very melancholic and original. "What Should Be Done" is also interesting, as we proceed with the renowned "The Wizard," where Uriah manages to blend the melody of a ballad with the typical Seventies hard rock power. In fact, the track begins with Box's acoustic guitar and Byron's perfect voice, while it subsequently moves on to hard guitar riffs and a succession of emotions.

"Rainbow Demon" has a much darker and more ominous sound, almost like Atomic Rooster, with the keyboard supporting Byron's captivating voice, which explodes in the fabulous refrain. A truly tough song! "Circle Of Hands" is another gem of the band, enriched by the beautiful keyboard introduction and the effective and precise riffs of Mick Box. The song, when David starts to sing, can express energy from every pore, thanks to the inevitable dreamy melody and pure beauty. Just listen to it! "Rain" is a delicate ballad where it's hard not to be moved by the poetry and skill that the band offers and demonstrates. "If I Had The Time" returns to the hard rock patterns of "Circle Of Hands," with Hensley's keyboard making everything more enjoyable and original, while Box & Co. churn out riffs that turn the piece into another example of real rock. After the ecstatic and panicked "Circus," we encounter the irresistible "Wonderworld" and the American-style classic rock of "You Turn To Remember." "Weep In Silence" is introduced by a beautiful sound where Hensley's keyboard and Box's guitar manage to "unite," before Byron enchants us with his words. Sublime. Simply magical and incredible, or, as Uriah Heep would say, it is a "real return to fantasy." RETURN TO FANTASY!