A PASSION PLAY

I was really caught off foot with this album. I was initially expecting based on the reviews that I read that this album was going to be a little disappointing to any Jethro Tull fan. Well, after giving it a few listens, I must say that this album is great. It's no Thick as a Brick, but it really does give it a run for its money. Ian Anderson and the rest of the group have a knack for writing great pieces, and they really exhibit their abilities on this album. The use of flute on the album is subtle and it really makes for a more light-hearted tone, even though the album deals with darker themes. When I first put it, I initially thought that I had accidentally put in Thick as a Brick, but soon I realized that this piece was so drastically different from TAAB. John Evans is once again at the top of his game, with the keyboards taking the forefront and really making an incredible experience. But the guitar is not drowned out, Martin Barre also plays some incredible licks and really shows why he is a great guitarist.

I really have to say that the first part is a lot better than the second part. It's really similar to TAAB, in that it feels as if all of their best work went into the first part, and then the rest was just filler (but good filler, mind you). I don't really enjoy the beginning of the second half. Once you get past the first 3 or 4 minutes, though, it really seems to get back into form.

I really was impressed by the intricacy and perfection that Jethro Tull had on this album. Then again, it wasn't as good or as remarkable as TAAB. There are few dull spots, but there are enough spots to keep you interested. I give it a 4/5 because I feel that if you give it a chance, you'll truly enjoy this work (I certainly did enjoy it).