THE DIVISION BELL

With the rather poor "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason" people had gained a certain dislike for the new Gilmour-led Pink Floyd. The band died for many after "The Wall" and the infamous "The Final Cut" now the Floyd only had to say goodbye to their fans with one last big bang. After 7 years, the farewell finally came with "The Division Bell".

Although definitely a new (more tamed) sound ,and a new lyricist in Gilmours wife Polly Samson, this album is nonetheless a true masterpiece

(9/10) Cluster One - A relaxed instrumental welcome into the album. The combination of Richard Wrights soulful keyboard skill and Gilmours trademark wailing guitar tones make this a highly enjoyable, slow, and unique intro.

(8/10) What Do You Want From Me - Very unusual for the Floyd. The use of Funk/Blues rock from a Prog band is unexpected, but do not be fooled, this is a fine track. David Gilmour called this "a straight Chicago blues tune" showing us that he is, and will remain, a blues guitarists. The wailing guitar is not absent and riffs and solos make up a huge section of the song.

(7/10) Poles Apart - The weakest track on the album for me. For the first time I did not enjoy David Gilmours singing. After the singing however Richard Wright takes us to a new symphonic realm with carnival tunes and the faint sound of the "Division" bell then (sadly) interrupted by Davids voice. The song concludes with another fine solo by Gilmour

(10/10) Marooned - Quite possibly the greatest Pink Floyd instrumental my ears ever had the pleasure of listening to. More energetic than the mellow "Cluster one", this song features more wailing and melody from Gilmour and his famous Black Stratocaster. On a side note this song inspired me to go out and buy myself a Yamaha copy of a Stratocaster, sadly i'm still miles away from Gilmours expertise.

(9/10) A Great Day for Freedom - Another very relaxed song and , considered by most, includes Gilmours greatest guitar solo on the album. A possible reference to the rivalry between Gilmour and Waters is made right at the beginning of the song.

(10/10) - Wearing the Inside Out - Not only does is this song melodically and lyrically fantastic but is also sang by Richard Wright. His voice (dearly missed by many) makes a return on this final Pink Floyd album. His hardened voice instils a sense of Wisdom to the song. Another peak in the album.

(8/10) Take it Back - Not a memorable song from the album but nonetheless highly enjoyable.

(10/10) Coming Back To Life - The "Gilmour" song of the album. Starting off slowly with very Blues-influenced guitar solo and then continued with Gilmours harmonious singing. This relaxed atmosphere becomes slightly more energized after the first verse and then leading up to 2 fantastic blues solos.

(10/10) Keep Talking - Another great song with a special "appearance" by famous theoretical physicist Steven Hawkings. The song the first dark and gloomy atmosphere in the album with space-ish guitar riffs and solos. Another interesting fact is that David used an E- bow throughout the song.

(9/10) Lost for Words - To be honest I expected an instrumental track after first reading the title of the track. The vocals are not disappointing at all and acoustic solos make this another mellow song.

(10/10) High Hopes - The song that ended the story of the Floyd. This song is the final masterpiece of Pink Floyd and the final peak of the album. One can hear the intro on the song "Fat old sun" on "Atom Heart Mother". The song features David on slide guitar with another great guitar solo. I can truly think of no better song than to end the album with.

"The Division Bell" makes a fine final album by a great band. Features simply good music that can be enjoyed by anyone who actually gives this "Black sheep" of an album a chance.

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