SUITS

One of the problem with this album is its length. It still reminds me the romantic "Marillion" with songs like "Lady Let It Lie" for instance. Fish's voice always being so great to listen to. At least, I feel so.

The mood is on the commercial side or full of melancholia ("Fortunes Of War"). As one would say, a pleasant work. Some rockier atmosphere (with good Spanish guitar intro) during "Somebody Special". Hypnotic beat and powerful bass guitar. Maybe a bit too funky for my ears. Repetitive, but this a dominant feature on this album, and this has been already and correctly underlined by "Fishy" in his review.

Same funky (but less inspired) flavour with "No Dummy". A weak number IMO. The intro of "Pipeline" reminds me "Won't Get Fooled Again". We are again on a rockier edge (even heavy) and I have the impression that Fish is willing to sing closer to Phil Collins.

I would be more indulgent with this album than the majority of the reviewers (for once). It is enjoyable, yet longish. Some nice ballads, some pleasant rock songs and two or three fillers. All in all, a good album.

And the best is yet to come. "Bandwagon", is one my favourite track of this album. An heavy number with great rhythm (vaguely Tull oriented). The band is really powerful, effective. On par with the big man.

And the closing is just superb. A great crescendo track which allows Fish to fully show his great vocal capabilities. Full of subtlety, this is a true "Marillion" song. Yes, it is at this level. Raw Meat is the highlight of this album without the slightest shadow of a doubt.

Three stars.