AZURE D'OR

Renaissance were still very creative at this point in their career. Just no epics. That isn't a bad thing. The record kicks off with the soaring Jekyll and Hyde, which really rocks harder than most of this record. The Winter Tree is a softer piece, very folk oriented with a good chorus. Not unlike some of the shorter stuff on earlier records. Only Angels Have Wings is a Camp penned song, and also sung by him. This one is a bit weak, but I can't help but enjoy the lyrical theme. Golden Key is fantastic. Classic Renaissance downsized to 5 minutes. The Mellotron John Tout uses in the middle of the song really adds to the symphonic nature of the song. Forever Changing was penned by Terry Sullivan, and is another folkier, pastoral kind of song. Very good stuff. Secret Mission is really proggy, with lots of time changes. Kalynda is pop song, but as always (or, well, up until this album) good. The Discovery is a pure prog instrumental, really driving. Great keyboards on this one. Friends is probably the weakest track here. Sounds like something young children would listen to. Not a bad song, but out of place. The Flood at Lyons is a short symphonic end to this album. Really powerful song. If you like prog pop don't hesitate to get this one. If you like Renaissance, get this one. If you want a pure prog album, you can skip this one.