ROCK ART

My first review so bare with me. This is a forgotten gem in the Magnum discography. Released as Magnum were more or less on their way out in the cold, it is nevertheless quite a good album. Not so much prog as it is hard rock. It holds the typical Magnum treats, hard rocking cut-throat tunes with slow ballads intertwined. Musically, this is the start of the sound that is dominating Magnum´s music today. So if you have heard "Breath of life", "Brand new morning" and the most recent album "Princess Alice and broken arrow" you will feel right at home. Let´s break the album into its songs.

1. We all need to be loved - a racy rocker in the same style as the latest Uriah Heep songs.

2. Hard hearted woman - a rather more boogie flavoured tune, sounds more like a ZZ Top song.

3. Back in your arms again - cheesy ballad which is saved to a high degree by Bob Catley´s phenomenal voice.

4. Rock heavy - good reggae tinged song but reggae isn´t Magnum´s thing.

5. The tall ships - the closest this album gets to a progressive song. Nice chorus at the end.

6. Tell tale eyes - decent rocker, not more than that.

7. Love´s a stranger - a song reminding me of Steve Winwood from his soulful 80´s. Not slow but sluggish.

8. Hush-a-bye baby - bluesy ballad making one think of smoky rooms in speakeasies. Yet the song is meant to be a lullaby.

9. Just side of heaven - the best song on the album. Tough but not hard with some pseudo prog elements.

10. I will decide myself - singalong ballad for those who like ballads.

11. On christmas day - too long!

Overall, this is an album for those who are already into Magnum. Do not get this as your first Magnum because the group takes some albums to get used to.