STORMWATCH

This album is often considered to be the third of a trilogy of more folk-oriented albums (after Songs From the Wood and Heavy Horses), but I don't really hear that, as there are only a few songs that follow that example. Overall, the album is less acoustic, and quite a bit darker and heavier than the previous two. I find it to be more closely aligned with albums such as War Child and Minstrel in the Gallery, with its darker and heavier aspects. A fine album nonetheless, but the more acoustic songs do work best here. Overall, another very good album from Tull, but not quite among their very best. Best tracks: Flying Dutchmen, Dun Ringill, Warm Sporran, North Sea Oil, Home. Weaker tracks: Dark Ages, Something's On the Move. Rating: 3.5