RIVER OF DREAMS

It took some time for this album to even be released in the UK, such was BJH's demise in their homeland. They were still finding success in continental Europe however, and this album, while still bearing the band's hallmark sound, was clearly geared towards that market.

"Back in the game" kicks things off with a typical piece of mid-paced BJH light rock. Les Holroyd and John Lees share the song writing credits throughout the album, but as usual they write alone, and take lead vocals on their own songs. Many of the tracks here, while not necessarily slow or sad in terms of sound, are reflective lyrically. There's plenty of self examination, and "good old days" philosophy.

At times, the message seems to become the dominant factor, with the music taking second place. "Yesterday's heroes" is a case in point, although it is vastly improved by some great guitar work towards the end. At almost 8 minutes though, it could have been so much better.

In all, the album smacks a bit of going through the motions. The inspiration which led to the creation of their early masterpieces for both the Harvest and Polydor labels appears to have deserted them, resulting in pleasant, but unchallenging songs, which sound awfully like one another. Sadly, there isn't one stand out track on the album, although the final track "The time of our lives" sits slightly above all the others.

An album which can only really be commended to BJH fans.

Share this BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Easy Livin
• Report this review (#22733)
• Buy BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST music online with PA partners
• Show all BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST MP3/Stream
• Go to BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to River Of Dreams page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST related discussions