FROM THE NEW WORLD

Here is the latest album from Alan Parsons, legendary engineer, producer, and performer. This is his 6th solo album since the demise of the very successful Alan Parsons Project and his partnership with Eric Woolfson in the '90's, and this one probably is most reminiscent of that earlier band than any of his other solo albums, which is good news for fans. Here, once again, Parsons returns to the lush arrangements, layered vocals, and impeccable pop production he is known for. As usual, Parsons uses several different vocalists and guest artists throughout the album, including vocalists Tommy Shaw (Styx) on 'Urobouros' and David Pack (Ambrosia) on I Won't be Led Astray, and guitarist Joe Bonamassa on Give 'Em My Love, and though the different vocalists may be a bit unsettling at first, it all comes together in a unified style that works pretty well. And the signature APP sound is present throughout, starting with the opening track, 'Fare Thee Well', one of the strongest tracks and most reminiscent of the old style. After the first few songs, however, the album becomes much mellower through the middle section of the album, with softer, slower ballads and a more stripped down sound, which gives the songs a more personal, intimate feel. However, this does drag the album down a bit as being too soft, but the songs are still pretty good. The album picks back up again near the end with a couple more strong songs, although the album ends on a weaker note, with an emotional, but rather unimaginative adaptation of the theme from Dvorak's New World Symphony, 'Going Home', which is confusingly followed by a note for note reproduction of the Ronettes 60's classic 'Be My Baby', which doesn't fit at all with the rest of the album (and if you're going to do a cover, why just replicate the original? - no point to it). Overall, if you are a fan of the 70's and 80's Alan Parsons Project, you will find just enough to like on this album, it is a nice, easy, but non-essential listen, but if you are not already a fan, there is probably not much here that would pique your interest. Certainly not as compelling as Parsons in his heyday, but a marginally good album with enough to recommend to fans. Best Tracks: Fare Thee Well, Uroborus, You Are The Light, Halos. Weak tracks: Obstacles, Going Home, Be My Baby. rating 3.