THREE FRIENDS

I believe that I am finally ready to review this classic gentle giant album. Prologue is easily the best song on the album. Very strong, catchy melody, and it perfectly sets the tone for the album. It tells of the three friends and how their lives will change over time. School days is a loveable giant song, with one of them singing half of each word, while another finishes them (I think anyway) Something only the giant would do! The song also has a nice progression to it. Working all day is a somewhat 'heavier' track, which I don't really care for. It does however feel appropriate to the album as a whole, as it describes a young man entering the tedium of the work world. The next song is much better, peel the paint. It has a sort of melancholic mysterious feel to it. It's difficult to describe, but I love it! There is also some quite moving violin passages here between the other parts. It also progresses into a 'heavier' section, this time pleasing my ears. This is a highlight for the album. Mister class and quality is upbeat, but kind of short. It is a solid track though with some good guitar soloing. It has a real drive to it, which ultimately leads to a seamless transition to the final track; three friends. This song starts out very strong and continues in such a fashion. More guitar soloing to be found here. It is difficult to tell where this song begins and the previous ends. I'm still not quite sure! What i'm saying is, they could be considered one long song in two sections. Eventually a dramatic haunting chorus comes in, perfectly setting the mood of time having passed by and three old friends being separated by their different paths in life. It is a grand ending indeed! Overall, this album is quite short and could have used a little more strength in some of the tracks. By stength I may just mean volume...peel the paint was oddly quiet compared to the rest of the album, the beggining anyway. Highlights include prologue, schooldays and peel the paint. The best thing about this album is the concept that we can all relate to (friends growing up and growing apart) and how well the songs fit the concept. I give a 3.5 for the music as it is, but I'll move it up to 4 for the strong concept! 4/5...this is essential for giant fans!