FOCUS 9 / NEW SKIN

I would say Focus 9 is definitely better than Focus 8. The new album sounds fresh & full of energy and yet it is an unmistakably a Focus album with. Most of the songs are instrumental and very well-played (by the way, Pierre van Der Linden is back in the group). The album covers a wide range of styles and masters them well. Great melodies, it's hard to mention highlights - the album is even. Anyway, Black Beauty & European Rap(sody) are one of the best songs here. European Rap(sody) is also a very humorous song. The only 2 low parts are vocals on one of the songs and some rock-stuff in the middle of the album. In all other aspects it is a great record that would please old Focus fans and probably attract new ones. The old wine keeps getting better with years!