FOCUS II [AKA: MOVING WAVES]

Opens up with the classic track that needs no introduction. When it hit the airwaves it probably lead many people to think of Focus as some crazy potheads, however the rest of the original side is very sedate in nature. Le Clochard is a mellotron-nylon string duo, that highly contrasts the explosive "Hocus Pocus". "Janis" is another soft track dominated by a beautiful melody that is perhaps just a tad bit too repetitive. Moving Waves is pretty much a throwaway track because of Thjis van Leer's weak vocals, but it features a good romantic piece underneath. "Focus II" is the other classic from this album - truly a masterpiece of soft prog with beautiful romantic melodies that were the trademark of Focus. The album closes with a giant of track "Eruption". It has flaws in terms of tension and release (some parts drag on for too long, only to arrive to previous points that were already established well), but nevertheless there are some great melodies present, and fantastic interplay between the musicians. This is one of the best known non-British albums, and for good reasons!