HERGEST RIDGE

After the massive success of 'Tubular Bells', an album that made Mike Oldfield and the Virgin brand household names, it's almost surreal to hear the follow-up, 'Hergest Ridge', disappoint on every level.

While the music itself isn't unlike what Oldfield did before, everything just seems so lifeless here. Which isn't too surprising, considering that he wrote it while uncomfortable with the fame that had come with its predecessor. A mixture of progressive rock, new age and folk music, if there was anything I could consider a highlight it would be the last five minutes, which features an odd kind of symphonic duel guitar harmony. It's nothing overly eventful though. I'll probably never listen to it again.

With all of that said, I am a huge Mike Oldfield fan, and I love how diverse his discography is. It just doesn't seem right that I struggle to find anything remarkable on this album, but sadly that's all it comes down to.

Sorry Mike. Can't win 'em all.