RAJAZ

After a long string of concept albums Camel set their sight again on individual songs on their 13th studio album, and the results are mighty fine. Eight songs in a tad less than an hour, only two of which are instrumental. On some of their previous albums instrumental tracks had been a clear majority, but Rajaz puts Andy Latimer's greatly improved voice on the forefront. His voice has gained tons of character since the early days and he sings with great emotion in a slightly Mark Knopflerish manner.

Camel didn't have a permanent keyboardist at the time of the writing process, which allows Latimer's guitar to be a dominant element. The title track, Shout and Straight to my Heart are all basically just simple acoustic songs, the latter including one of the most beautiful guitar melodies ever written. Absolutely fabulous. The two instrumental tracks, opener Three Wishes and Sahara are both great works, but the crowning moment comes last, in the form of Lawrence, a stunning example of Latimer's genius as a guitarist and composer. Plus possibly his best vocal performance ever.

Colin Bass's bass tone I find too deep and shapeless, but that's really the only complaint I can come up with. Over a decade after Moonmadness Camel once again produces a five star masterpiece.