EARTH

Earth is a very fresh, timeless work. It's difficult to believe that it was recorded in 1973. The music here is an early example of "New Age" and ambient music and I believe Vangelis to be an important pioneering composer of the genre. There is also a combination of some "World Music" or ethnic music on this album. He was at his most dynamic with this work and he dabbled in many different styles. I realised recently that as well as playing a variety of keyboards he played percussion too and performed with some ethnic instruments on the album, including the flute and tabla.

The short and sweet opener "Come On" has a glam rock touch and gives way to a crash of thunder which is the start of the next track called "We Were All Uprooted". This is a completely unpredictable twist as the music suddenly becomes spiritual and exotic with heavy falling rain in the background and a narration to set the scene. By this point, you can imagine yourself in the Amazon forest or somewhere at the heart of nature. The piece joins on to "Sunny Earth" which has a similar feel to it..

"Hey-O" is a highlight with its powerful, dark and mysterious Eastern flavour. Other favourites include the psychedelic groove of "Let It Happen" and the rhythmic ballad "My Face In The Rain". This is also a great early example of classy chillout music with relaxed vocals and soft synthesisers and organs. Earth isn't the most coherant of albums and some parts meander ever so slightly but on the whole, it's tremendous and good at grabbing your attention with some unusual arrangements. This was quite a progression from the work Vangelis did with his band Aphtodite's Child.

An excellent musical journey and well worth getting hold of, especially if you want to hear something different. My rating: 4 stars.