I ROBOT

"I Robot" was the first album I purchased from this artist. When I first heard this album I got confused. How could this uncommon music be made in 1977 (when I was born)? I couldn't believe it. While punk music was emerging, an excellent music producer (who worked previously with Pink Floyd) was creating, experimenting, giving shape and composing an alternative type of music. Something completely new but commercial at the same time. It was really a good idea to have different vocalists depending on the type of song. This concept album starts with a mystic sound followed by a simple keyboard riff that develops into a more complex arrangement by adding different instruments and voices progressively. This instrumental track, "I Robot", and the next track are really groovy but both of them have a different structure. The second one is more commercial but less original. It's a catchy kind of funky song very well sung. The third song is a beautiful ballad and, in my opinion, it has the type of Alan's most personal feeling on it. I really don't understand why similar songs such as "Silence And I" (from the album "Eye In The Sky") and "Ammonia Avenue" didn't become hits. I think these songs are as beautiful as great hits like "Old And Wise" or "Don't Let It Show". "Breakdown" is a good song that has a perfect ending sung by a choir. I think it would have been better to extend the "choir" part. I find this part similar to some Mike Oldfield or Kate Bush choir arrangements. The hit "Don't Let It Show" comes afterwards and won't let you indifferent. "The Voice" is not a bad song but from this point the album decreases. "Nucleus" is an instrumental track for psychedelic music lovers. "Day After Day" recalls some "relaxing" Pink Floyd tunes but it lacks originality. "Total Eclipse" is an infuriating song connected by the best instrumental track (from Alan Parsons career), from my point of view. I think this album could have been perfect without some of the "experimental" stuff and improving a couple of songs.