THE BEST OF URIAH HEEP

I consider putting this compilation at this site because it represents best songs of Uriah Heep in the early days. That's why I put four stars as rating because all songs are excellent and good mirror of what the band had done in their early days. Starting with "Demon's and Wizards" album with a killing track "Easy Livin'" which showcases how powerful the voice quality of Byron, dynamic bass lines by Gary Thain and soaring Hammond sounds played by Ken Hensley. The voval harmonies are also excellent. This is a great rocker and well positioned as opening for this compilation. "Lady in Black" is a very simple track with straight forward two or three chords performed in ballad style with quite good melody line. This song is typically Uriah Heep's encore for live performance. "Bird of Prey" from the same album as "Lady In Black", "Salisbury" demonstrates powerful high register notes of David Byron and most importantly: the vocal harmonies are great!

The band revisits "The Magician's Birthday" album through "Sunrise" which demonstrates great Hammond work and powerful bass lines. Another song in the same album is "Sweet Lorraine". "The Wizard" is the band's song that I heard the first time and it means something special because through this song I explored further on the music of Heep and have a pleasure enjoying the band's music. No question about the band's legendary track "July Morning" in which some people mention that this is the "Stairway To Heaven" of Uriah Heep. Through this track one can enjoy how Manfred Man contributes in his mood synthesizer work. "Gypsy" is also a great track even though I prefer the long version performed under Live 73.

Overall, this is a very good start for someone who never knew the music of Uriah Heep. The only weak point is that there is ample space available to occupy the Disc. It would be better off if it's added with some more songs.

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW