WE CAN'T DANCE

In spite of having completed in some sense the turn to the land of conventionalism, for me at least this is the best they had done since "Duke". I agree with the fact that this album can sound awarkd and quite poppified from the point of view of the classic patterns of progressive rock, patterns defined in great measure by this very band, by the way, but I think that they managed to come up with a quite remarkably release with moments strong enough to remind us of the old days.

I have to make clear that this album contains and repeats the habbit of including filler and single-oriented songs which compose the most commercial and predecible part of the album. Songs like "Jesus he knows me","Hold on my heart" or "We can't dance" are clear examples of that, and even in this case, they are the best poppier songs they released since they picked up this habbit.

Again, there are some songs which combine a conventional approach with more complex and subtle touches, like in "Living forever", "No son of mine" or "Dreaming while you sleep". Again, some might find these songs not so different from the obvious typical pop songs. I might conceal that, but I think they are more sophisticated at least than most songs you could listen to by this time.

And again, finally there are some songs that give the album the credit it deserves and avoid that it could be considered as a simple repetition of "Invisible Touch" and contribute to make the difference.

These tracks are basically "Driving the last spike" and "Fading lights", being two excellent long compositions, composed in an era when almost nobody dared to create such long and intricated songs. The first one is more of a tragic ballad, but it is very touching and beautiful. The second one is an ode to past times, remembering us that this band was once the pinnacle of progressive rock. You can't deny that at least good old Phil chose an appropiate way to say good bye, or at least 'see you later'.

I think this album should be given a better recognition than the one it has received. It is a matter of taste I guess. The fact is that I like this album. But if you are strictly attached to the past, well, I think you should avoid it :shrugs: