CRISES

I guess I’m among those few who had heard Oldfield’s any other work before Tubular Bells; And among fewer who think that Crises is the best he has ever done… No, don’t get me wrong, I think that all Mike’s seventies albums are essential to love, but anyway… I feel something special in Crises. It hooks me from the first note and keeps my ears, mind and heart bent for almost forty minutes. I don’t know why exactly but it does.

Alright, let’s discuss track by track:

1. Crises – This Epic takes whole A side. Of course the length from Oldfield doesn’t surprise, but It’s completely different from TB or anything else. It starts with a very beautiful theme and then progresses in many others. The passages range from mellow folk to hard rock and they combine so organically that I’m left with open mouth every time I listen to that. Note a small vocal part which is sung by Mike himself. And at the end the beginning theme culminates… To put it short, a masterpiece. 2. Moonlight Shadow – I think this song needs no comment. Absolutely brilliant. One of the most beautiful songs ever written. I’d call Mike Genius even if he had written this only song in his life. And yeah, I’d call Maggie Reilly an Angel. 3. In High Places – Jon Anderson sings here and it tells everything. The song is kind of reggae-ish but also has a very cosmic, trippy feeling. 4. Foreign Affair – Maggie on spotlight again. Very, very nice song. With a good melody and hypnotic refrain at the end. 5. Taurus 3 – Take a small guitar lesson from Virtuoso! 6. Shadow On The Wall – A rocker. And guess who sings? Roger Chapman! Yes the good old guy from Family. Song is about tragic events in Poland happening in early 80’s. Mr. Chapman sings it with a burst of feeling and passion. Great Stuff!

Resume: In my humble opinion, this is Oldfield’s most beautiful work. Here he achieves an ideal combination of simple and complex. And what is the most important, melodic side is flawless. I wholeheartedly recommend this album as a starting point for Oldfield newcomers and Progressive Rock newbies in general.

Rating? six from five!