THE DIVISION BELL

Clustered in one fine piano introduction to strt the show after some ambient sounds I feel were just not necessary. But this is Gray Floyd, and where would the be without it. And that Echoes-style run is actually nice. The moods here have been expanded from the previous effort. Relaxing in a dark way.

Oh no, what are we met with first when we hear What Do You Want From Me? A Mid Tempo solo. It is a nice one, but it is as if he has to put one every few minutes. The lyrics are banal, to say the least, but the mood is even stronger. It is still a rehash of old, but it is a more respectable rehash.

Poles Apart, recalls The Wall in its slow trod. Again living on mood alone, as the songs aren't the most fleshed out. But this is still a nice and emotional track. Gilmour has a nice voice, and the atmospherics are strong. Yes there is a mid tempo solo, and yes it is tolerable (aren't they all?). Well, it is a formula, I suppose. And again, it doesn't offend.

I actually feel that this album is more cohesive than the last. (was that possible, I mean wasn't the last album more of a gray Pink Floyd mush?) Regardless of that, it feels more in tune to itself as a whole album. Marooned is a strong atmospheric song that somewhat channels that feeling. This record has such a nostalgic air about it, that you could get more enjoyment out of it than otherwise, I suppose. A Great Day For Freedom has some "astute" lyrical references. This could be argued and disputed, and the lyrics aren't so bad. The piano is nice, and the vocals are warm and the atmosphere is driving. What more do you want? A pretty song.

Wearing The Inside Out has some mediocre sax playing, but it is a calming peace. That "exotic" drumming, doesn't do much, but it all has a nice mood. We get another solo here, that is pretty much the same as every other solo here. Take It Back has a modern sound supplanting the atmosphere, and it goes off rather well. Still nothing perfect, but a nice feel to it. One of the more upbeat songs on the album.

Coming Back To Life is just really slow. I mean, most of the songs here are not too quick, and it normally doesn't hurt the song. But this is bare bones and slow. It damages the piece, and is a glaring weakness. Very simplistic, and not even able to call upon mood. But damn, I still like it. Gilmour does have a nice voice. Keep Talking is the major radio hit, here. It is nice, the vocals and female backing are well done, and it goes back neck deep in that meticulously crafted and recycled mood that this album boasts so fluently. The spoken excerpts are good, and I feel they fit the song in a way, which is more than I can say for Learning to Fly form Momentary Lapse. An album highlight, I suppose. I'll admit that I absolutely love the mood and atmosphere this album presents. But the songs are still shallow and covered up from their stark lack of seeming care.

Lost For Words doesn't do much for me. The lyrics aren't so amazing, and the song is bland in a way. As always, you can count on the feeling of the song, and it's atmospheric air, but if that doesn't do it for you, then why the hell are you listening to Post 1980 Pink Floyd? It isn't terrible, though. Just bland and uneventful.

Then we come to something else entirely. High Hopes. This is what I feel to be the epitome of anything Pink Floyd did in this configuration. It builds, it moods, it emotes, and it mystifies. Not enough to bring the album to an essential status, but this song is superb. Here is where the layered mood shines at its best. Dark and eerie, I quite love the track. Recommended this to be purchased for the final song, alone. It also has hints of real progression. A very fitting end to the Pink Floyd creature.

Division Bell embarks down the road built by Momentary Lapse, and does it, better. The atmosphere is more cohesive and well built. The songs are at least not totally bereft of complexity and layers. The solos aren't as prominent, and Gilmour seems to sing even more skillfully. Not to mention High Hopes is great.

Best Song - High Hopes. this wasn't a hard decision.

Worst Song - Lost For Words.

*** Nostalgic Stars

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