TECHNICAL ECSTASY

If you are a bit familiar with "Sabbath" 's catalogue (which is not obvious on a prog site), you know that the band usually places one of the best song of an album as an opening track. The least we can hope is that it is not the case with "Technical Ecstasy". Because otherwise, the worst can be expected.

Fortunately, after the poor "Back Street Kids", the band will deliver a brilliant number : "You Won't Change Me". Accordingly because there is nothing to change to this song. Great melody, superb guitar solo and a very powerful and great keyboard work. The highlight here (but we won't get tons like this...). And to listen to another bad song won't take long. The third track, "It's Alright" is just a bad joke. A syrupous ballad, at times rocky but best avoided, believe me. It is hard to believe that this is a "Sabbath" song. Press next.

And next is "Gypsy". More complex than most of "Sabbath" songs. Maybe more accessible for a "normal" human being (which I am not since it is my forteenth commented "Sabbath" review in twenty-four hours or so). It is one of my fave on this album. It is lighter, more dynamic and at the end of the day a good rock piece of music.

The problem of this album resides in the song writting. Average to poor for most of it. IMHHO, this was already noticeable on their previous album but this one was saved by a few great songs. But the miracle won't happened this time. On the contrary, a song like "She's Gone" and its heavy...orchestrations is just a nighmare. Dreadful. I just would have wished that "Sabbath" wouldn' t have recorded such a miserable song. Close to the poorest "BJH" ones (yes, "Barclay James Harvest").

In this torrent of very average songs, the closing number stands out as a highlight. A fabulous guitar break will bring back the listener to life. It is not the first time that Iommi comes at the rescue to save an album. I have already mentioned that he is the glue within "Sabbath" . But he couldn't avoid this album to be one of the poorest of the band. Two stars.