SAGA

"Saga" is the eponymously titled debut full-length studio album by Canadian progressive rock act Saga. The album was released through Polydor Records in April 1978. Saga formed in 1977 after the demise of Canadian rock group Fludd. Three of the five members of Saga's lineup came from Fludd.

Stylistically Saga play what today sounds like a very time-typical late 70s/early 80s progressive rock style. It's technically well performed and the tracks feature intriguing details, but lack the structural complexity of many of the early- to mid-70s progressive rock releases, although this debut album certainly is among the most progressive oriented Saga releases. The choice of synths/keyboards, the hard rock edge, and the occasionally AOR (an even new wave) oriented direction of the music are also time-typical features. Lead vocalist/keyboardist Michael Sadler is a skilled singer and his trained singing style suits the music well, although I sometimes wish he would relax a bit.

The album features a clear, detailed, and professional sounding production job, and it's overall a very well produced release. Upon conclusion "Saga" is a good quality late 70s progressive rock release and it should appeal to fans of late 70s/contemporary Genesis, Kansas, Eloy, UK, and other artists in that vein (fans of 80s neo-progressive acts like Pallas and IQ should find lots to appreciate here too). A 3.5 star (70%) rating is deserved.