THE RAINMAKER

For quite some time now I know all the (studio)albums by TFK and I'm amazed how constant they are in their performance over 12 years now. They never made a real poor album and since the legendary Genesis and Yes can't even achieve this I think it's worth a compliment for The Flower Kings.

But of course there are always better and lesser albums, that's only logical. And somehow this is one of their least. I can't really get my finger on it why, I think because on this one a real highlight is lacking. And as usual (in my opinion) their shorter songs are not really the best so if you put that all together this is almost a medicre album at least for TFK standards. But don't worry, I love their music so much that even this one will get 4 stars. I'll give a short description for the individual tracks.

1. Last minute on earth. Very good epic, but in TFK history it's not quite their best. 4,5 stars.

2. World without a heart. Nice shorter song. Not too special. 3 stars.

3. Road to sanctuary. If there is a highlight it's this one. Very good epic. 4,75 stars.

4. The Rainmaker. I don't really care for this one. Bit of strange vocal aspect by (I think) Tomas. 2,75 stars.

5. City of Angels. One of their least epics of all time. Something special is lacking in this one. 3,75 stars.

6. Elaine. Sensitive lyrics by Roine. Ballad like short song. 3 stars.

7. Thru the walls. Another one not too special to me. 3 stars.

8. Sword of God. This one is a lot better. 4 stars.

9. Blessing of a smile. Ballad-like short song. 3 stars.

10. Insignificant very short song. 2 stars.

11. Serious dreamers. One of my very favourites. Really great composition with much variation. 4,75 stars.

So all in all not that bad. Problem is just that they have done so much better through the years. So 4 stars because measured in time I come to an average of 3.8.