HERGEST RIDGE

This installment of Mike Oldfield finds the listener transported to quieter, more peaceful times. Not forsaking his knack for extended tracks, Oldfield does not deliver a masterpiece. Though, to question whether or not this album pleases the ears is a disgrace to music in general. The first half invites the listener to bask in a tranquil landscape of melodic chords and guitar strumming that, in all honesty, can only be described as pleasurable. This must be where Hergest Ridge lies, for the melody is mirrored briefly in Part 2. All the notes are perfectly fit to be played together. This really demonstrates the calmer side of Oldfield's musicianship. However, once side 2 is played there is the same feeling of growing repetition that was introduced on the previous half. About halfway through side 2, there erupts a fierceness bridled with the intensity of Oldfield's driving virtuosity, reminding us that he is still capable of producing hard-hitting rock anthems, and the gradual journey that takes you there only makes the climax all the more impressive. The ending closes off the music with a nice reprise of a previous theme and wraps up the album nicely. The farewell of Hergest Ridge.

The album as a whole works very well with the multiple melodies that Oldfield is able to invent, because they do subliminally transfer over the two sides. While it is certainly no masterpiece, it is very much worth listening to, particularly if you are a fan of his other works. Or music in general for that matter.