UNDERWATER SUNLIGHT

A pretty big upswing in the musical direction of Tangerine Dream. It's just a pity it didn't last. Everything that follows is worse than poor. Certainly their best effort since 1979's Force Majeure. It does all sound very 80's - but I really like all the treated guitars on this one. The production is excellent with everything sounding crystal clear. The first two tracks are definitely worthy of 5 stars, but things go downhill on side two where the tunes are more bland, two of which go in one ear and out the other. Song of the Whale however, in my books is a masterpiece, where the band for once show genuine emotion. I've heard around twenty five of their albums and I'd definitely say to beginners to go for 'Rubycon' or 'Ricochet' which are two of the best electronic albums ever recorded. The earlier you go with Tangerine Dream the creepier they sounded. This ain't creepy at all, but does sound very pretty and synthetic. However, it's far better than it's predecessor "Le Parc' which is very much 'hit or miss', full of four to five minute tunes, which do very little to me, or other reviewers, as I can gather.