DIFFERENT WORLDS [AKA: SALEM HILL 2]

On this release and their eponymous debut album Salem Hill had yet to develop their Symphonic Prog shown on later albums. In fact they had more in common with AOR bands like Styx and Kansas. However although most fans of the band would name later releases as their favourite work "Different Worlds", their second album has much to offer.

Opener "Here and Now" is a strong melodic Rock song and one of my favourites on the album as is following track "Brave New World". Salem Hill have always had good harmony vocals shown to good effect throughout the album, used to particularly good effect on the more laid back "Question of Honor" and at the other end of the spectrum, the more Rocky "Can't let go".

"Different Worlds" is no contender for best Salem Hill album but fans of American AOR should find much to enjoy here although it may be difficult to find a copy as it was released as a limited edition of just 500 copies.

This second album from "Salem Hill", just as its predecessor, can't really be categorized in the symphonic category.

It is true that there are some fine vocals but the music offered is still AOR influenced but not so much than on their debut. Song writing has improved and a track as "Question Of Honor" probably belongs to the best stuff available here. Pleasant melody and fine keys for this smooth ballad.

Of course when these dreadful AOR sounds appear, then they really hurt ("Can't Let Go"). It's up to you: either you suffer for about four minutes or you just press next. Be aware though that if you have chosen the latter option, you are going to reach the next track faster. And believe me. "There's Always Canada" is absolutely no better. Same poor stuff, unfortunately.

"Salem Hill" is even tempted with heavier sounds as if they were not quite sure which direction to go ("Invisible").

The band showed some improvement (but not really much). While they stick to a more neo-prog oriented music, they sound OK like during the very good Listen To Me. The best song from this album (the longest as well). I guess that there are hopes for better things to come.

Two stars for these "Different Worlds".

Salem Hill and their second album from 1994 named Different worlds is an improvement in my opinion over their first release. Salem Hill is an american progressive rock band formed late'80's and having so far a moderate succes in this field. Combining progressive rock elements with some AOR elements , Salem Hill never quite succede to climb to a higher position in this field. The music is ok not very complicated, but not some popy tunes either, something in between symph prog with neo touch I guess. I like the voice who fits very well here and some very strong guitar arrangements.Question Of Honor is one of the best from here. Salem Hill sounds like another american prog band from mid '90's, Releyer or early Big Big Train. I will give 3 stars to this album, more like 2.5 rounded upto 3, because I like the album but nothing over the top with this one I might say. I have just two albums with this band, this one and Not Everybody's Gold, who is in my opinion much better then Diffrent world. Still a pleasent ride for me , discovering this band somewhere around spring 2008.

Salem Hill is still searching for their identity on their second studio album "Different Worlds". Some of the guitar leads on this album are excellently fluid, expressive and melodic. Prog fans should be warned that this music still has one foot solidly planted in Toto and Styx territory. If that doesn't scare you away, however, this album may be a great treat!

Salem Hill's discography follows a linear progression of reaching greater and greater heights... If quality is your goal, Prog Fans should start with Salem Hill's most *recent* album and work backwards through the catalog.

Another option for fans seeking early Salem Hill value is to get your hands on the live release "Puppet Show". It features some of the best songs from their early albums. You probably will like the live versions of tracks like "Brave New World" better than the studio versions.