Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Renaissance - Tuscany CD (album) cover

TUSCANY

Renaissance

 

Symphonic Prog

3.02 | 127 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

ZowieZiggy
Prog Reviewer
2 stars Here comes Renaissance for what is still to date their last studio album.

"Tuscany" was released some twenty one years after their last decent album IMO ("Azure D'Or"), and I am not convinced that it was a good idea. Of course, it will lead to a reunion tour and lots of souvenirs coming back but as such, this album is not a great come back.

I have some kind of mixed feeling about the opener and title track which has some good passages but is too pop oriented to be really convincing. Annie's voice is always a pleasure to listen to and "Pearls Of Wisdom" is such a track during which she can fully display her talent. A nice and charming ballad. A good (but short) true "Renaissance" song.

Shortly formatted songs are the trends here. The mellowish "Eva's Pond" as well as the folkish "Dear Landseer" are good examples of what NOT to do. Trying to resemble to the good old "Renaissance" but with little inspiration. Flat, flat and again flat.

This album is unfortunately a collection of uninspired songs. Far from the great recordings which the band released a long time ago of course. It supersedes their poor "Time Line" or "The Other Woman" only by the fact that the band is trying in some way to renew with their original and symphonic sounds and dropped their disgusting electro pop mood.

But none of the tracks featured here could ever compete with their great work. Just a collection of average songs which leads to an overall feeling of dullness and uniformity. It is very difficult to find an outstanding track on this album. On the contrary, a song as The Race could have been released on their prior works (which is not a compliment). Very poor. Press next of course.

Even Annie's voice can't prevent Dolphin Prayer as well as Life In Brazil to be a complete disaster. It is time that the album reaches its end even if the closing number is my favourite one of the whole (but there is very little competition to be honest). Poignant vocal intro for this second true old Reanissance song. But two out of ten is not a big deal, right?

It would be wise for the band not to release any new material if they are unable of producing a better effort. It seems that it is their decision anyway. Two stars for this rather disappointing release.

Two stars.

ZowieZiggy | 2/5 |

MEMBERS LOGIN ZONE

As a registered member (register here if not), you can post rating/reviews (& edit later), comments reviews and submit new albums.

You are not logged, please complete authentication before continuing (use forum credentials).

Forum user
Forum password

Share this RENAISSANCE review

Social review comments () BETA







Review related links

Copyright Prog Archives, All rights reserved. | Legal Notice | Privacy Policy | Advertise | RSS + syndications

Other sites in the MAC network: JazzMusicArchives.com — jazz music reviews and archives | MetalMusicArchives.com — metal music reviews and archives

Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.