SWEET FREEDOM

One might have forgotten or neglected this album as it did not generate a memorable hit like previous albums. But, we have to admit that musically this album is excellent - composition-wise as well as the band's efforts to push their musical boundaries. You can see it right from the opening track "Dreamer" (3:41) where it sounds a true rock song but the band has included groove music in it. It has made the music energetic, powerful. One noticeable difference is the way the instrument is composed whereby Ken Hensley put aside his soaring keyboard sound at the back and giving Mr. Mick Box more chance to demonstrate his hard-edge guitar riffs and melody. It's really stunning.

"Stealing" has become the band's legendary track where recent live set has always included this song-based composition in the set list. Those who have been familiar with how this track is played live in Magician's Birthday's Party or Live in Moscow would see the difference on how instrument is played. In this original version, Gary Thain provides much richer basslines. So powerful. Byron voice got a lot of power.

"One Day" (2:47) has its roots on unique choirs that become Heep sound. Hensley keyboard soars at the back putting it up together as rhythm section combined with rhythm guitar and solo - especially during transition segment. "Sweet Freedom" (6:37) lends itself the rhythm section and a bit of melody from the band's hit "July Morning" (from "Look At Yourself" album). Even though it has different beat and tagline melody, for sure this track is heavily influenced by the legendary hit.

"If I Had The Time" (5:43) is for me like a ballad rock song with a good melody, keyboard and vocal orientated song. It favors most ears, I think, be it a rock fan or any music buff would enjoy this song. As is the case with the other two tracks "Seven Stars" and "Circus".

If I am asked to vote what is the best song from this album I would definitely say that the album's concluding track "Pilgrim" is the only one. Yeah, this track deserves full five star rating (masterpiece) as it has a powerful composition, strong songwriting and excellent performance overall. In addition to that, this song is the only one which is really prog musically. I always repeat this last track whenever I play this album in its entirety. In terms of structure, this song has multi-part with different music styles but everything revolves around comprehensive tagline melody. This track blows me away from start with energetic opening and powerful choirs followed with rhythm section that combines great guitar rhythm and soaring keyboard sound. Evrything is glued together tightly with dynamic bass lines produced by one of the best rock bass guitar players, Mr. Gary Thain (RIP). Oh yeah, Ken Hensley still provides his magic sound through his finger punches. The song provides varied composition from simple to relatively complex segments. Oh . Mick Box guitar solo reminds me to his wonderful guitar solo in "Gypsy" (especially from "Live 73" version"). Byron really sings very high register notes at the end of the song. Wonderful!

So, what can I say overall? No doubt, I would recommend you to purchase this CD! This album has been under-rated so far. It deserves excellent rating. Keep on proggin' ..! LONG LIVE HEEP!

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW