ISLANDS

No matter how wild the music exploration of Mike Oldfield, one would easily identify his music. I cannot say it precisely but I can only sense it how the music of Mike Oldfield is all about. Take example of the opening epic "The Wind Chimes Parts One and Two" (21:49), I am sure that you would easily identify his work throughunique combination of electric guitar and keyboard work. But this epic has something else to offer. First, the sounds of oboes that strengthen the composition. Second, the use of female chanting through the voice of Anita Hugerland. It's not something that really differentiate from other work by Mike Oldfield but those two characterize the music of this album. You might compare this with other song by Mike like "Taurus", for example. It's totally different stream of sounds. This epic has good composition with many styles combined nicely through the natural flow of the music. Sometimes the music breaks and gives some transition pieces through guitar solo or keyboard solo or sometimes xylophone solo.

Mike always combines his album with a touch of popular music like it is well presented here with album title track "Islands" through the lead vocal of Bonnie Tyler. It's quite an enjoyable adventure. Anita Hugerland also sings with lyrical part in "The Time Has Come". With this combination, Mike has delivered a balanced combination of instrumental piece (with chanting) and those songs with full vocal version. Jim Price contributes his part to sing "Magic Touch".

Overall, it's a good album from Mike Oldfield. Keep on proggin' ..!

"God gives you your face, but you have to provide the expression."