BENEFIT

I know a lot of people love this album, but for me, it is somewhat of a step backward from the more unique and progressive Stand Up (1969), as the band has fallen back to a much more standard UK Blues-rock here, without the more innovative approaches and advances made on the previous album. Yes, they are very good at the blues-rock sound and style, but this does not best show their unique style and strengths that would make them a standout rock band. Also, some of the best songs from these sessions were not even included on the album, such as 'Teacher' (which was released as a standalone single) and 'Witch's Promise'. Thus, a very good album overall, but one that did not advance their sound and unique style beyond the blues-rock played by other bands. However, they would make tremendous leap into progressive rock with their next album. Best tracks: Nothing to Say, Alive and Well and Living In, Inside, Sossity You're a Woman. Weaker tracks: Son, A Time For Everything. Rating: 3.5 stars