DAYS OF FUTURE PASSED

When you listen to the "intro" ("The Day Begins" and its "White Satin" theme° you got it all there. But to call this prog is not really the most suitable wording. Classical, yes. Invading orchestra, yes. Prog? Hummm!!!

Great and passionate vocal harmonies, for sure. There is of course a huge improvement in comparison with their weak debut album. Production has dramatically improved, song writing is waaaaaay better (but this was not complicated to achieve). The rhythm and blues is all gone (thank god!).

You might have read some reviews of mine already; so, you won't be surprised that such heavy orchestrations are not my cup of tea. If you would expect the great "El Dorado" (ELO), I have never been thrilled with such music. "Morning: Another Morning" as well as "Lunch Break" have more in common with Gershwin than with prog music.

Some compositions are longer than average (for the era). "The Afternoon" clocking at over eight minutes allows to develop some good ideas and theme changes. But, at this time one is willing to get at night because even if this album is one of the first concept work it is far to be convincing. I remember that when I listened to it for the first time ages ago, I was not enthusiast at all about it. And my judgement has not changed.

This is a combination of some pleasant vocal melodies submerged by an orchestra. Not appealing to me.

Of course, there is "Nights". One of the best slow ever produced in "rock" music. On par with the greatest of the genre. A five star track. But the only one here. If you would exclude this masterpiece, there is not much to retain from this album. It doesn't pass the proof of time very well.

I won't really be in-line with my fellow colleagues (but it is not the first time). As with the early BJH (who were seriously influenced by this work), I am not charmed by this album (except by the one and only of course.).

Two stars. No more.

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