AFRAID OF SUNLIGHT

"Brave" was a musically depressing trip in that the album was filled with angst and sadness - a powerful album but not one that will remain in my player for long stretches at a time. Thus far no Hogarth Marillion album has resonated with me as strongly as did "Seasons End". Could this change that?

"Gazpacho" - Bouncy, good track which I do enjoy. A wife beating boxer of a track. The band play this well as a cohesive musical unit. This isn't anything like the "Season's End" album, Marillion's music has changed direction and not for the better in my opinion however there is nothing wrong here.

"Cannibal Surf Babe" - A take on the Beach Boys. Lively rocker of a track which I despised when I first heard it. My initial dislike of it has eased over time though - this is nothing like the Marillion that I knew and loved (especially the Fish incarnation of the band). Fun little number.

"Beautiful" - Like the name of the track this is simply beautiful. When I first heard this it played on one of the local radio stations and the DJ was in tears when it was over and he came on air to discuss the track. One of the Marillion highlights.

"Afraid of Sunrise" - I do not like this track at all - to me it is pointless and it drones on and on.

"Out of this World" - Like the sun rising on the horison of the previous track. This is a powerful track punctuated by some very nice Rothery lead and some really strong vocals. Love it. "Only Love will turn you around.................."

"Afraid of Sunlight" - Nice slower track to start. Becomes powerful musically further on into the track.

"Beyond You" - More brilliant stuff from the band. I love this track. Very emotional. Not being able to break out of the emotional bubble of a failed relationship.

"King" - Starts off bombastically before heading into emotional territory. Nice but not brilliant album closer.

How do I rate this danged album? Not an easy thing to do. It has some simply stunning tracks which are musical beauty however it has two dogs and one simply ok track. Where is that darned half a star rating to bring this to three and a half? I'm going to go with three and a half pulled down to three. Two or three tracks are essential but pastry doesn't make a pie on its own.