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After the disappointing "Hai Hai" released in 1987, Roger Hodgson was forced to take a long break from recording having broken both wrists in a fall. Towards the end of the 1990's, he performed live on rare occasions, resulting in the only other 20th century release from him "Rites of passage". In 2000 though, Hodgson returned to the studio to record this fine comeback album.

Having received those "Rites of passage", Hodgson does not shrink from calling upon his Supertramp heritage as he sees fit here, even at one point including the harmonica wail which opens "Crime of the century". As a whole, the music is supremely melodic and beautifully arranged, giving it the feel of a new Supertramp album.

The opening 6½ minute "Along came Mary" sets out with all the wonderful trappings of a Supertramp classic such as "Fools overture". Recorded voice (apparently of Queen Elizabeth) leads to jangling acoustic guitar and uillean pipes. The initial children's like verse gradually evolves into an ever opening flower with all the colours of a Hodgson masterpiece. This is Roger at his melodic finest, the supreme arrangement perfecting an already special song.

"The more I look" is one of Hodgson's fine ballads with one of those choruses you simply have to sing along to. His falsetto backing and multi-part harmonies are always special, but here he pushes the boat out to quite stunning effect. The cry of the harmonica which opens "Showdown" reminds us of "School", and indeed the early lyrics do talk of the schoolyard. This is though more of a "Bloody well right", the shuffling beat and jazzy fiddle creating an upbeat mood which contrast with the doom laden lyrics.

"Hungry" begins with "It's raining again" type sax, the song being similarly accessible with a fine sax break. "The garden" is the shortest track on the album at a shade over 2 minutes. It has all the appearance of a light link piece, but has something of a sting in the tale. With "Death and a zoo" we are treated to another epic piece worthy of the top table of any Supertramp album. The rather odd title refers to the Hobson's choice of death or a life of captivity/depravity. The album features a guest list of thousands, but here the oboe playing of Zdenek Rys is particularly atmospheric. The centrepiece of the track is a drums heavy break with jungle noises against a chaotic backdrop.

"Love is a thousand times" reverts to an acoustic backdrop for a lighter piece, but even here the superb instrumental arrangement and Hodgson wonderful vocals create a magnificent whole. "Say goodbye" is a classic Hodgson ballad with pained vocals, alto sax, dramatic drum rolls and a male voice choir. The title track, which segues straight from "Say goodbye" is the longest track on the album at almost 9 minutes. Once again, the familiar cry of the harmonica opens the track, but here the vocals are those of the title track to "Crime of the century", full of drama and suspense. The track has much in common with "Sleeping with the enemy" the opening track on Hodgson's debut solo album. As the track builds Roger throws everything into the pan in a grand melee of sound, rounding things off with piano and harmonica. The album is rounded out with "For every man", a simple acoustic song with an anthemic feel.

Anyone who is still hoping that there will be another great Supertramp album should "Open the door" to this album without delay. This is a truly magnificent effort by one of the most under-appreciated musicians on the planet. Thankfully, Roger has also returned to touring, his one man orchestra show being a truly magical experience.

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