Uriah Heep
...Very 'eavy ...Very 'umble

THE REVIEW

Uriah Heep
Very 'eavy, Very 'umble
1970 Vertigo

Today I want to do a retrospective on a legendary band, Uriah Heep.
They certainly need no introduction, as they are part of the history of rock/hard rock.
And to think that with this debut album, at the time they were harshly criticized and there was a
statement by a journalist who wrote that they would hardly succeed.
However, it cannot be called a masterpiece, but neither should it be belittled, and I would like to make a
fair analysis without prejudice.
After all, a band like them has a very long discography behind them, which reaches up to the present day.
Over the years, they have produced various masterpieces, deservedly recognized almost everywhere.
But I would like to delve into this historic debut album of the band, which starts with the track Gypsy.
Hypnotic and obsessive piece, built on a minimal guitar riff, all completed by
Ken Hensley's organ, which makes it epic.
Walking in your Shadow has a more standard rock blues sound, but I found it a good
track and I like how David Byron sings, an intense and very melodious voice.
Come Away Melinda is a very soft ballad, highlighting Byron's wonderful voice.
Perhaps Lucy Blues is the least convincing track, it's a typical standard blues with no big surprises.
We come to a great track, Dreammare.
Great incisive rock track, with a compelling guitar rhythm, great backing vocals too.
Real Turned On and I'll Keep on Trying continue with the rock blues theme, tracks anyway with
good groove and some nice ideas on the backing vocals and instrumental parts.
Wake Up is the last song, which I found interesting in its almost jazz-like structure.
This album has its charm, that raw, imperfect 70s sound, but damn rock.
Mick Box on guitar knows his stuff, his peculiarity is balance, and Ken Hensley with his
keyboards colors everything.
The honorable mention goes to David Byron's voice, at times operatic and anyway a great
performer.
My judgment on this album is good, although as I wrote before, their masterpieces will come
a few years later.

review by Angelowar6