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Camel - The Single Factor CD (album) cover

THE SINGLE FACTOR

Camel

 

Symphonic Prog

2.68 | 587 ratings

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Gatot
Special Collaborator
Honorary Collaborator
3 stars Several occasions happened prior to the release of this album and after the release of "Nude" in January 1981. One of them was the long absence of Camel's drummer Andy Ward due to injury. Camel was then became something like a solo project of Andy Latimer supported by a pool of talented musicians like Anthony Philips (previously with Genesis), Simon Phillips, Chris Rainbow etc. With this line-up, "Single Factor" sounds like The Alan Parsons Project's especially it's so obvious in many songs including "Heroes", "Selva" etc. The album was recorded in January - February 1982 at Abbey Road's Studio 3.

Musically this album is not much different with any album of The Alan Parsons Project but the recording quality which I think it's inferior, even against any previous albums of Camel. I actually don't understand it as this was recorded at Abbey Road Studio. The first two opening tracks are really light music and they can be categorized as pop rock music with no special things that need to be mentioned. They're just straight pop rock songs. But when it reaches track 3 "Heroes" (4:47) there is something nice that I can enjoy. The song itself is a mellow one but it has a strong melody. It sounds like a combination of both styles: The Alan Parsons Project and classic style of Camel music. The following "Selva" (3:30) is also a good one, followed with a short bridge "Lullabye" (0:55) which brings to attractive "Sasquatch" (4:40).

I purchased this CD was to complete my collection of Camel albums just to trace back how the band's music has evolved over time. I do not intend to give any conclusion on whether or not you should own the CD if you do not collect Camel music. Musically, this is a good album even though it has some mediocre tracks. Keep on proggin' ..!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

Gatot | 3/5 |

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