BABY JAMES HARVEST

Compared to the previous albums by Barclay James Harvest this one is a bit weaker in the songwriting department. It is not a downright horrible album, but make sure you have Once Again, Everyone Is Everybody Else, Octoberon and the self-titled debut album before you move on to this one (if you ever do, that is).

The sound here is similar from the band's earlier albums and the same problems apply to this one as well. Barclay James Harvest were good musicians but they lacked a unique musical identity, something in their sound that was truly distinctive that would have set them apart from other acts. Still, in the earliest days they were somehow important because they were there from the very start of the progressive genre. By the time of this album however, there were several other bands on the scene that simply outshined Barclay James Harvest in almost every possible way.

This album is even more orchestral than their earlier albums and this is simply too orchestral for my taste. Particularly the closing number which is orchestral to a fault. The epic Summer Soldier is best heard in its much better live version on the Barclay James Harvest Live album. There are also some truly embarrassing moments here however, like Thank You - a misguided attempt at a rocker. Avoid that one at all costs!

Thankfully, the band's next album would be a lot better. This one is for fans and collectors only.

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