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Rick Wakeman - Retro CD (album) cover

RETRO

Rick Wakeman

 

Symphonic Prog

3.09 | 61 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

richardh
Prog Reviewer
4 stars I have some Rick Wakeman albums but the only one I really like (up to now) is Six Wives Of Henry VIII. For me too much of Rick's music borders on the cheesey. Thankfully he avoids that here. This is clearly a labour of love and great thought and time has been put into the songs and compositions. There is also the joy of hearing a range of 'vintage' keyboard instruments like the Mellotron and Moogs... hence the title.

The first track 'Just Another Day' gets things off to a great start. The instrumental intro draws you very nicely before Ashley Holts powerfull lungs get to work. Tony Fernandez provides able support on the drums, not too flashy. 9/10

The second track 'Mr Lonely' features some aggressive distorted vocals with a straight forward beat laid underneath and finishes with a superb synth solo.7/10

'One In The Eye' is an excellent short instrumental work out.Very well executed and reminds me a little of White Rock.Fernandez is excellent here while Rick has plenty of fun. Classic Wakeman.10/10

'Men In White Suits' starts with a nice slow symphonic introduction. The Mellotron is well used here before Holt takes over with his powerfull vocals. Then another instrumental section follows that again is classic trademark Wakeman before Holt returns again. Not too much to dislike here. Good solid prog. 8/10

'Leave The Blindfold' comes across as a bit Beatlesish (similar to 'When I'm 64' perhaps?) and is ably sung by Rick's grown up daughter Jemma Wakeman. Very nice.7/10

'Waveform' is the second pure instrumental piece on the album. Starts fairly quietly but builds quite effectively. Not earth shattering but maintains the high standard nevertheless.7/10

Its about this time on a long album that I'm looking for a bit of something different. 'Retrospective' isn't it. Maybe Rick could have done something a bit more interesting here.6/10

'Homage To The Doctor' is a tribute to Bob Moog as you might guess. Rick does some brilliant soloing before Jemma and Ashley finish the track off with great vocals.Probably my second favourite track here. 9/10

'Can You Smell Burning' starts with some Wakeman hammond work similar to Six Wives (Catherine Parr). Mr Nimble fingers is up to all his old tricks, and so much the better! Tony Fernandez provides the oomph factor on the drums. Top notch instrumental. 9/10

The album is finished off with 'The Stalker'. Holt sounds suitably desperate as he laments not being able to be with his true love. The lyrics are maybe a little on the Andrew Lloyd Webber side of things but its okay.7/10

Overall is this a masterpeice? No not really but it comes in at nearly 69 minutes and as I said in my pre amble Rick has put a lot into this.

richardh | 4/5 |

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