VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

Perfection can truly take many forms. This is a perfect album. It carries you along on a voyage via songs that belong in the order that they were put in. I couldn't imagine listenting to these songs in any other order. Starting off the album with Ace of Wands really sets the mood for the album with its many curve balls. The song goes from one good idea to another at such a rate that rolls along so naturally and so pleasantly. Now, since Ace of Wands sounds like various good songs put into one, the rest of the songs on the album don't stand out so much on their own as when they are put one after another. For me, the album has become like one great song. It has to be played all the way through. There are definately stand-out moment. One particular song that stands out for me is Star of Sirius. Oh how I love Phil Collins' contribution to this. It certainly is a great way to start side B. This was Steve Hackett's first solo album so I'm sure he wanted to give a treat to all the loyal Genesis fans, and I will say on behalf of us all, thanks Steve Hackett. Also, Thank you Mike Rutherford for helping Mr. Hackett finish Shadow of the Hierophant. It makes for a great way to close the album. By now, I cannot expect anything. What comes is a spacy tune that ends with what sounds like a genuine climax. There aren't too many songs like this, but those that are are some of the best. And what a great place to put it in: at the end of the album. I am satisfied.