JOURNEY TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

I have always believed that the best progressive rock albums have orchestral arrangements: it is clearly the case here. The album is very structured: the London Symphony Orchestra provide the classical moods (horns & strings arrangements), while the English Chamber Choir give a solemn touch to the heroic & mythical textures, directly inspired from a fantastic and legendary storytelling. The subtle and delicate mellotron - percussion combinations give a memorable magic & enchanted atmosphere. There is an omnipresent English narrator, having an absolutely noble British accent a la Ian Anderson: this contributes to enhance the grandeur of this album. There are some rock electric guitar and clavinet parts to remind the listener that this record is classical rock oriented. Ashley Holt and Gary Pickford's melodic lead vocals are absolutely appropriate for this kind of music. Compared to the previous album, Wakeman's keyboards here less monopolize the music, giving a perfect balance between all the instruments. Some subtle classical parts remind me the Renaissance's Scheherazade album.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!