UK

U.K. is one of the greatest Prog supergroups of all time, made up of the quartet of John Wetton (Bass), Eddie Jobson (Violin, Keyboards), Bill Bruford (Drums), and Alan Holdsworth (Guitar). This lineup of some of the greatest progressive rock musicians of all time naturally produced one of the greatest progressive records of all time. It's crazy to think that this record was released in 1978, as it sounds like it could be from the heart of the prog era (70-74).

The album opens with the lead single, "In the Dead of Night." It kicks the album in tremendous fashion with stunning musicianship from all members. Eddie Jobson's work on the Yamaha CS-80 is honestly revolutionary and is coupled with the tenacity of Alan Holdsworth's guitar work which provides an extremely unique solo. The song perfectly transitions into its sister song "By The Light Of Day." It is a softer song featuring some great John Wetton Harmonies reminiscent of "Exiles" by King Crimson, and heartbreaking violin work from Jobson. After the beauty of the song, we are introduced to by far the most musically challenging song on the album, "Presto Vivace And Reprise," which opens with extremely intense rhythm and keyboard playing in an odd time signature. The song also closes the "In the Dead of Night Suite," all based on the same chord progression.

After the overpowering suite, the album takes a more melodic turn with "Thirty Years," the first 3 minutes of which are very ambient. After which though, it turns into one of the best songs on the album with more stunning keyboard work from Jobson. The song is very rhythmically intense, and obviously draws much influence from Wetton and Bruford's time in King Crimson. "Alaska," has a weak beginning with pretty much 2 minutes of random ambient keys, before turning into the highlight of the album. After the 2:30 mark out of nowhere, a crazy CS-80 riff picks up, followed by one of the best Alan Holdsworth licks on the album. The outstanding instrumentalism lasts for only about 2 minutes before transitioning into "Time To Kill." The song is very good as well and is another highlight of the album, containing awesome piano and organ work from Jobson.

"Nevermore," begins with beautiful acoustic guitar work from Alan Holdsworth similar to something by Greg Lake. The song is much more melodic and rhythmic than the rest of the album and has some really unique John Wetton falsetto harmonies and thoughtful lyrics. The song also has the best solo section on the album where Jobson and Holdsworth trade solos. The album closes with "Mental Medication." Which is very similar to the previous song, but has more odd time signatures. Honestly, the song has a great mood and has another amazing Holdsworth solo. It ends the album on a melody-filled drum roll.

This album is a progressive rock cornerstone and for good reason. Holdsworth gets the most props for his inspirational guitar playing on this record, but I must say Jobson is the unsung hero of this album. The rhythm section of Wetton and Bruford is also as strong as ever. Recommended for all prog fans, and an easy 5-star.