THE CHALLENGE

"The Challenge" was officilay released on November 13th as a single from the then forthcoming new album "Visionary" by classic German band Eloy.

It kicks off with two versions of the main feature, The Challenge, subtitled "Time to Turn part II". And what we're served here is basically a remake of their classic song "Time to Turn", perhaps a tad more modern sounding and with a slicker production but containing the same basic themes and compositional features. Bornemann's voice (and accent) have changed over the years though, which for me is the main difference between the original and the remake done 30 years down the line. And while not an impressive single for hardcore fans of the band it is a good tune, radio-friendly and a good introduction to the band for those not familiar with them from their heyday.

The second item on the single is a lush, floating ballad-styled creation named "Summernight Symphony". A dreaming feature, highlighting the gentler as well as the symphonic aspects of Eloy's sound, it's a nice enough creation. Like the other track it should be good radio fodder. It's not really astounding for me as a long time fan of the band, but I do suspect that taken in context, as a part of a total album experience, it fares better than a standalone track for fans such as myself.

All in all a good but slightly underwhelming single release, as I regard it one made to cater for mainstream audiences and radio play more than to entice the existing fanbase, the latter which will buy their new album almost no matter what anyway.

Turning back time

To precede the release of their current album "Visionary", Eloy released this three track single as a welcome taster. Two of the three tracks are the edited and full album versions of "The challenge (Time to Turn, Part 2)". The "Time to turn" subtitle is the pointer here, as this is not a new song at all, but a reworking of the title track from Eloy's 1982 album.

It is easy to see why this song was selected as a single, the female backing vocals on the highly accessible chorus creating a very pop orientated sound. The album version features some fine lead guitar and the song is highly enjoyable, but the prog side of the band is firmly kept in check here. In some ways, the song reminds me of some of Ayreon's more recent work.

The third track, "Summer night Symphony" also features female vocal backing, the song being a good example of what might be called symphonic pop prog.

In all, a decent collection for a commercially orientated single, which presumably was the sole objective here.

3 song single release from Eloy in 2009. (2 total songs really as "The Challenge is given 2 versions). "The Challenge" feature a driving rhythm and female backing chorus, very much in the vein of Pink Floyd from their last couple of albums. I like this song and it deserves 3 to 3 1/2 stars. This is not, however, what would be considered "classic" Eloy. It is closer to the symphonic pop rock of Alan Parsons. The second part of this release contains "Summernight Symphony". The general mood here reminds me of a gentle Pink Floyd or modern Camel song with some female backing vocals. There is also a touch of Renaissance in this tune. Pleasant, but basically forgettable. Only 2 stars for this song. Overall, this release merits a 3 star rating. Pretty good but not essential. I much prefer the 1970's-era Eloy.