IN BLAU

German band Anyone´s Daughter released In Blau in 1982, proving that prog was not really dead at the time, as some critics and press in general said. In fact, only a handful of bands did ignore all the pressure and stayed true to their roots at the time (I can´t really blame the others, though). In Blau was one of those few records that showed the band was in the right direction when they decided to sing in their native language. They probably figured out they had little, if any, chance to make it in the international market (meaning USA). And stuck with their fans, style and market.

Maybe that´s why this album is so good, although not too many people heard it at the time. Which is a shame by the way. Ok, it is no perfect, some pop moments and some 80´s synth sound creep in here and there, but nothing that compromises their very own sound. In fact, this is one of their best, with no fillers at all. They were too exploring new territories, like the acoustic guitar sounds on Fur Ein Kleines Mädchen and Sonne (very strong Steve Howe influence on this one!). And they also decided to pedal on the epic tune they left out since their first CD Adonis. Even if Tanz Und Tod seems like three different songs put together they do work well as a whole. I loved the powerful instrumental La La (it should be great live!).

With a superb production, In Blau is one of those CDs every prog lover should listen to. It proves once and ofr all the 80´s were not that sterile and had its fine prog moments. And stood well the test of time. Four strong stars.