AZURE D'OR

When I listened to Jekyll & Hyde, I could believe my ears : it was like I my listening to "Earth & Fire". The popish sound was there, but more than anything the vocals which are so close to Jerney Kaagman's ones here as well.

The song is very catchy but totally different from their classical repertoire. Rather astonishing but pleasant; which is not true for the dull "Only Angels Have Wings".

The band reverts to a more standard sound and approach with "Golden Key". The great Annie as we all know her is back at the best of her form. So convincing and passionate in this type of song. This is one of the best from this album. It has all the elements from an old "Renaissance" song I can think of : superb vocals, great harmonies and sumptuous keys. Like in the good old days, really.

Songs are pleasant and, here and there, the past grandeur is back again. "Secret Mission" has the definite flavour of "Sheherazade" (without the orchestrations). John Tout does an excellent job on the keys and the song is complex enough to be called "progressive". The high pitched vocals are such a sweet souvenir. Another one of my fave here.

The highlight from this work is "Kalynda". A wonderful melody full of emotions. The acoustic guitar work is also poignant. All these elements combined together deliver another catchy (although commercial) song. When played at this level, it is really a pleasure to listen to commercial tunes, isn't it?

The second blunder of this album is the instrumental "The Discovery". Nothing to discover, frankly. Just a filler like the childish "Friends". The band was probably out of inspiration.

The closing number starts as a "Genesis" part and this song is more upbeat than a usual "Renaissance" song. The result is quite well achieved, I must say. Annie & John (Tout) being again the highlights. A fine way to close this good album.

Three stars.