THE RED PLANET

Yet another Rick Wakeman album (it has become quite impossible to track down how many solo releases the keyboard wizard has, but this one would around the eightieth, I believe). What is there to say about it? A seasoned veteran who has achieved everything, and has really done everything in his career, is desiring to have some fun, releasing a collection of grandiose keyboard compositions, with the help of other very well-rounded and experienced musicians (billed as the English Rock Ensemble). All fine, as Wakeman is proposing a fiesta of the full possibilities of modern technology, adopting a myriad of sounds, and playing around with his set of innumerable keyboards to deliver these songs that are said to make up a concept album about 'The Red Planet'.

I consider this record a great and enjoyable sit-down listen, if you will to have a slice of keyboard wizardry, or just get that retro 70s feel, when the instrumental prog rock album was a thing, and people loved it - but 'The Red Planet' could not and does not bring much to the table. Rick Wakeman is doing what he does best in creating explosive and mind-blowing pieces on his keys, but we have all heard that in full bloom four decades ago (and he has not stopped doing it ever since!) Some do consider this a masterpiece, and I also consider it a must-listen for prog rock and especially Rick Wakeman fans, but this is not universally compelling, or a genre-bending masterpiece, it is simply a very good instrumental album that is fun, well-written and perfectly well-performed.