A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON

If "The Final Cut" was Roger Waters's solo album disguised as a Pink Floyd record, then "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" is even more of a David Gilmour solo project than "TFC" was for Waters. Why? Because, although "The Final Cut" was entirely written by Waters, the other members (Gilmour and Mason) at least played on it, and Gilmour even sang a verse or two. In contrast, "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" doesn't even have that level of band involvement. By that time, Pink Floyd had essentially been reduced to Gilmour and Mason, with Wright only contributing as a session musician on a couple of tracks. Mason's input was minimal, as he felt out of practice. Gilmour wrote all the music and brought in several lyricists to pen the lyrics. So, aside from the Pink Floyd name, this album isn't much different from Gilmour's 1984 solo effort, "About Face."

The music and lyrics are mediocre, and the cold, programmed '80s sound with its synthesizers and drum machines doesn't help. There are a few interesting guitar parts here and there, but nothing particularly impressive. It's not total garbage, I prefer it over most of what other classic prog bands were releasing during that period (Yes, Rush, Genesis, King Crimson, etc.) but I wouldn't go so far as to call it "good." In my opinion, 2 stars is a fair rating for this album.