RETURN TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

Rick Wakeman, in this sequel to "Journey To The Centre Of The Earth", makes the album that the original should have been. He hired a top notch narrator (Patrick Stewart), and singers that were up to the task of the material (Ozzy Osbourne, Justin Heyward and Bonnie Tyler). And Wakeman's maturity shows in the much more exciting orchestral arrangements.

What strikes me most is how Wakeman easily moves the orchestra between traditional sounding pieces, and songs where the orchestra replaces a traditional rock band, playing riffs that guitars and synths would normally perform. Also, his singers follow the work perfectly.

Where the original alternated drab poppy pieces and pompous orhestration, this work flows through the story smoothly, both in the narrative and the music.

Excellent.