Progarchives, the progressive rock ultimate discography
Focus - X CD (album) cover

X

Focus

 

Symphonic Prog

3.44 | 152 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

The Crow
Prog Reviewer
3 stars Six years later, Focus released the follow up to their album 9!

And with the simple and direct name of Focus X, the bassist Bobby Jacobs achieved again a pristine sound in his labor of producer making the new guitarist Menno Gootjes and the rest of the band sound fantastic. For the artwork of the album the band used a beautiful painting of Roger Dean and the style of the music is so eclectic and variated as ever.

In Focus X we can find jazz tracks which are boring even for elevator background music (Focus 10, Amok in Kindergarten) mixed with some fierce rock bombs (Father Bacchus, All Hens on Deck), their typical glimpse to medieval age (Talk of the Clown), progressive songs (Victoria) and lots of experimentation and a bit of craziness.

Best Tracks: Father Bacchus, Victoria, All Hens on Deck.

Conclusion: Focus X is a bit of an acquired taste. The first plays of the album were a bit dissappointing and I was tired of the most boring and experimental parts. But after a while this music grew on me and although I find this album irregular, it has some impressive moments and a great playing from all the members of the band, specially by the talented guitarist Menno Gootjes.

Not essential by any means, but it's always pleasant to hear that a band with more than 40 years of history is still able to release worthy albums like this Focus X.

My rating: ***

The Crow | 3/5 |

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 FOCUS 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.