LOVE BEACH

One of the greatest bands in classic prog went down in prog history with this album, an absolute failure regarding a transition to pop music, which Genesis did well (not better, but thanks to Abacab I know Supper's Ready) and also Yes (I know Close to the Edge thanks to Owner of a Lonely Heart), King Crimson modernized itself, but ELP failed miserably.

I don't mind the record being a pop album, but it is not good pop or good prog. Emerson loses all his flash, Lake becomes very cheesy in his lyrics, and Palmer plays drums in a very normal style, they don't sound like Tarkus or BSS at all.

I don't consider any track like really bad, but you keep waiting for a good moment that never comes. Love Beach sounds like a Miami tv show theme from the 80s, but without any flash and cringeworthy.

Most of the tracks don't show anything at all, being very forgettable, Canario is often said that is the lost gem on the album and the most proggy song, but it is not good, also forgettable like the rest of the record.

"Memoirs of an Officer and a Gentleman" could save the record, being the standard long song, but it is just words, the music is not interesting at all and leaves you with nothing.

Even with the absolutely bizarre album cover, it would still be better if ELP turned into disco music, maybe that would have worked.

I don't recommend this record, only if you really like and are interested in ELP history, but just as a curiosity.