AZURE D'OR

Here we arrive at Renaissance's "Tormato". Much like Yes tried to do on that album, Renaissance tones down the prog (and with it, their audience's interest), and shortens all the songs down to radio friendly accessability.

There are some moments of prog. The album opens with an orchestral intro on Jekyll And Hyde. But it doesn't last long, as the song quickly turns into something more record company executive friendly. Other songs have a little more value. Secret Mission has some good parts, as does the instrumental The Discovery (the best song on the album).

But the point has been made. Renaissance is trying to be more of an AOR band than a prog band.

It's no surprise that after this album, band members fled the scene.

2.5 stars.