RING OF CHANGES

By this time, the old stereotype of kaftans and hippie dreamers was long gone, and this album, especially, marked them out as seeking to pursue a lighter, prog inspired, pop direction.

It is not a masterpiece, but I do think it has been a little harshly judged on the site, because Lees and Holroyd have produced on this album some exceptional pieces of music.

The title track is brilliant, Paraiso Dos Cavalos an enjoyable nonsense, and I also enjoy the melancholic feel of Fifties Child.

However, the highlight of this, and one of the band's finest, is Waiting For The Right Time, a plaintive call to a loved one who simply will not, or cannot, respond. Set against a backdrop of light synths, gentle guitar work, and fine percussive work from the much missed Mel Pritchard, it is the type of track to which love should be made after a massive emotional moment such as making up after a huge fight.

By no means essential, this is a good album, and certainly one that fans of lighter prog will very much enjoy. They made better albums, but I suppose the first one you bought will always hold a special place.

Three stars.

Share this BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to lazland
• Report this review (#308264)
• Buy BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST music online with PA partners
• Show all BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST MP3/Stream
• Go to BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Ring of Changes page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for BARCLAY JAMES HARVEST related discussions