EVERYONE IS EVERYBODY ELSE

I like it when albums have perfectly suiting artwork. This one sends out a loud and clear "stay away" to me. But given the high ratings and the free-lending policy of the library, I had a go at it anyway. Conclusion: yes indeed it sounds exactly as mellow, sweet and flowery as its package and it's definitely no album for me. On the other hand, personal issues aside, this is an acceptable classic album indeed.

The music is soaked in mellotron, violins and that typical 70s velvety atmosphere, a reason why it might appeal to fans of that era, including Prog fans. But the music has little ado with progressive rock. It's the professionally played mainstream balladry, just like everything was professionally played those days. But that is not enough to make it interesting or able to stand the test of time. Something at which this album largely fails. Even when trying to emulate some of the grandeur of Prog (eg For No One), the exaggerated romanticism make it too inoffensive and the tame. Love the guitars though.

When it comes to songwriting this is a fine album and I can enjoy it when taken in small doses. But after less then 10 minutes of this sweet and dreamy ear-candy I get sugar-high and urgently need something with more needles and pins. A good nostalgia trip but no 3 star rate for this site.