HOME

"Home" is the 4th full-length studio album by UK rock act Procol Harum. The album was released in 1970 through A&M Records. "Home" features a couple of lineup changes as organist Matthew Fisher and bassist David Knights have left Procol Harum and bassist/organist Chris Copping has replaced them. With the addition of Copping to the ranks Procol Harum now features the same lineup that played together in the pre-Procol Harum band The Paramounts.

The music on the album continues towards a more conventional commercial pop/rock format like on the preceeding album "A Salty Dog (1969)", but with the addition of Chris Copping a slightly more audible r´n´b influence has crept into the music. "Home" features both bluesy rock tracks and more emotional ballad type rock tracks. There are a few exceptions that could qualify as progressive though in "Piggy Pig Pig" and especially "Whaling Stories". To my ears the latter counts among the highlights of the album. The music is generally centered around Gary Brooker´s strong voice and vocal lines, but the rest of the band put in solid performances too.

In addition to Gary Brooker´s warm and emotional vocal delivery he is also very active behind the piano. As on previous albums one of the greatest assets to Procol Harum´s music is the use of organ. This time is no exception and the melodic organ lines really add some great atmosphere to the tracks. The rythm section is tight and guitarist Robin Trower throws around bluesy licks like there was no tomorrow. The whole thing is packed in a professional, warm and pleasant sound production. Considering that "Home" was recorded in 1970, the sound production is actually very well sounding. While the material are generally of high quality, "Home" is to my ears an album where the songwriting isn´t as intriguing as on the band´s best works. It´s still quality material though and a 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.