GENERATION 13

After hearing two unimpressive '80s releases I wasn't planning on hearing anything else from Saga. This is of course before I heard the very impressive sample featured here on Prog Archives and reading some of the reviews I just had to hear Generation 13!

It didn't take me long to start enjoy the music on this album and I pleasantly surprised how different it sounded in comparisons to the other Saga releases. First of all it had no traces of the band's '80s material and that's a huge plus in my book. The album's concept might not be all that original but one still has to appreciate the fact that it's a book to album adaptation. The music benefits by the great '90s production where the drums are threated just right and the effects really enhance the story.

The progression of the music and story is smooth and if it wasn't for the somewhat flawed track The Victim I wouldn't even hesitate of giving this release the highest rating. As it stands today the album may not be essential for fans of progressive rock but I would still recommend to give Generation 13 a spin or two!

***** star songs: Generation 13 (Theme #1) (2:43) All Will Change (Goodbye & Good Luck) (1:57) The Cross (Home #3) (4:09) Leave Her Alone (4:33) The 13th Generation (4:26) I'll Never Be Like You (Once Again) (3:59) Where Are You Now? (1:20) Sam's New Friend (2:29) We Hope You're Feeling Better (1:21)

**** star songs: Chances Are #1 (1:40) Danger Whistle (0:43) I'll Never Be Like You (0:43) My Name Is Sam (Finding A Friend) (0:35) The Cross (2:02) The Learning Tree (4:58) Snake Oil (1:07) We Hope You're Feeling Better (The Test) (4:57) My Name Is Sam (Your Time Is Up) (2:34) Generation 13 (Theme #2) (2:38) Screw 'Em (4:14) No Strings Attached (5:20) All Will Change (It's Happening To Me) (2:00) One Small Step (3:24) Chances Are #2 (1:38)

*** star songs: The Victim (2:59)