CRISIS? WHAT CRISIS?

Sensational follow-up to Crime of the Century, with more great blending of Prog influences with pop sensibilities. Perhaps their most underrated album, it nearly reaches the lofty height of that previous masterpiece. Brilliant opening with the light touch of Easy Does It flowing seamlessly into the bright and breezy energy of Sister Moonshine, continuing with strong songwriting throughout and side 1 later culminating in the rousing rocker Another Man's Woman, giving the band a chance to soar through the extended instrumental sections. Then comes Lady, which starts as a bouncy pop song before morphing into a dynamic proggy middle section and ending as an acapella barbershop quartet. Both Davies and Hodgson have some wonderful tunes in the subsequent tracks before ending with Roger's compelling The Meaning and his earnest love song, Two of Us. Although this album doesn't have any unifying styles or themes, or quite the power and exhilaration of 'Crime', it still is a compelling and magnificent album from start to finish. Best Tracks: Another Man's Woman, Sister Moonshine, Lady, Ain't Nobody But Me, Just a Normal Day. Weak Tracks: none. Rating:4.5 stars