RETURN TO THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH

An overrated album with mediocre songwriting, but great sound quality and keyboard sounds. I find it a very disappointing follow up to Journey to the center of the Earth, and most of the imagery on that one is replaced with pop songs that don't flow with the album.

Narration sound quality : 7/10 : While the keyboards may sound cheesy sometimes, they really follow the words of the narration and are well done.

The Return Overture : 8/10 : If only the rest of the album sounded this good! This has the quality and feel of Journey and is excellent overall. The vocal chorus harmonies are splendid and beautiful, and the moog solo screams prog rock!

Buried Alive : 7/10 : well, this is a pretty good hard rocker with ozzie on vocals.

In anybody there : 4/10 : overlong pop song that doesn't do much for me.

Dance of a Thousand Lights : 8.5/10 : This is more like it! A great instrumental work that reminds the listener to his glory days. It is dominated by a fast and delicate electric piano.

Mr Slow : 3/10 : slow and boring ... fortunately, it is not long.

Never is a Long long time: 5.5/10 : this song is blessed by Ex-yes guitarist Trevor. IT contains good guitar work and vocals.

The Kill : 2/10 : This song is poor, I do not know what Wakeman was thinking.

Still Waters Run Deep : 4/10 : not too memorable, why are pop songs in this album?

Ride of Your life : 4/10 : another overlong pop song.

Floodflames : 7.5/10 : too short ... but this is a very good instrumental work with a great moog solo.

End of the Return : 9/10 : Brilliant finisher that sounds like the opener. One of the main reasons to buy the album.

So overall, I find this album a disappointing follow up to the brilliant concept album 'journey to the center of the earth'. This one has a mediocre story with poor lyrics. It has a terrible flows with everchanging pop vocalists, and is not as rewarding as Journey.

My Grade : D+