CRIME OF THE CENTURY

Crime of the century is a trademark album by Supertramp, it has a very good sound, good lighthearted composition, a few progressive rock touches and fortunately, enough instrumental moments. The music isn't adventurous but is varied enough thanks to a number of instruments like saxophone and a good set of keyboards. Most of the time though it has pop-rock tendencies and is pretty accessible. Note influences by Pink Floyd and Elton John. I won't be talking about the two most poppy tracks with typical electric piano sound for Supertramp. There is a groove, nice saxophone and user friendliness - "Hide in your shell" and "Dreamer". My favourite piece is "Asylum" thanks to its elaborate arrangements and very good moog/synths colours. The melody is quite solemn, the voice by "Davies" is less poppy than by Hodgson. "Rudy" is another track well worth exploring - semi-progressive rhythm with irregular motives, great piano, epic piano/synths/orchestra sound evoking Elton John of the this era. "Crime of the century" is a nice title anthemic track. Overall, it is a mellow easy-going album that will please fans of good melodies, compositions and arrangements without much complexity but enough sophistication to stay popular for a long time.