HYMN OF THE SEVENTH GALAXY

This is some of the best heavy jazz rock out there. This is an example of four talented musicians that have one goal: to ROCK. Even the slow parts are always leading up to amazing climaxes and in-your-face musicianship. Of all the Return to Forever out there, this is the album that has the energy and innovativeness that I am looking for.

Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy. Can I use the term "face-melting" for jazz? Screw it, I'm going to, and if I offend some metalheads, so be it. This tune is short, but Return to Forever set the tone for what is coming next: FACE-MELTING jazz that is also tasteful and just plain fun.

After the Cosmic Rain. A cool groove and guitar harmony effect sets up the main theme, but just when this track dies down, you are rewarded with an incredible build of musical intensity that leads back to the refrain. White on drums is simply awesome: this guy cannot sit still (he's gotta be on some uppers), and this is one of those rare songs that I'm not sure Portnoy could emulate. AWESOME!

Captain Senor Mouse. If you thought the band had tired themselves out, you are wrong! Another great melody with excellent jams interspersed. Connors shows his quality on guitar toward the end (di Meola who?).

Theme to the Mothership. Possibly getting a bit formulaic here considered the last couple tunes, though Clarke's jaw-dropping grooves demonstrate that he's not about to be drowned out by Corea or Connors.

Space Circus. The laid-back intro might lull you to sleep, but when they get funky, you will stand no chance of snoozing. All of these guys are on the same page again, and the music shows that fullly. Yet another killer job by Connors on guitar.

The Game Maker. Similar to the previous song, it's only a matter of time before the band comes in and rocks, whether you like it or not. Great back-and-forth between the keyboard and guitar, while the bass and drums are mindblowing. Maybe not an epic conclusion, but effective.

If you like catchy tunes and virtuoso performances, you need this album. I guarantee you will not get bored or fall asleep to this stuff: you'll be more than happy to clean the floor or take out the trash while moving to this gem. A progressive jazz classic!