RHAPSODIES

Rick Wakeman

Symphonic Prog

2.55 | 153 ratings

From Progarchives.com, the ultimate progressive rock music website

The first RW album that I actually bought at release, and I'm not heard it in years, until now.

Rhapsodies is Rick having fun, going by the cover, and the track titles. The techniques from Six Wives et al are matured - multiple keyboards, drum/bass rhythm - and each track has a distinct identity, from the downright silly Animal Showdown, to the more serious Rhapsody in Blue.

The significant departure on this album is the lack of 'concept' - Six Wives, Arthur, Criminal Record etc all have their core concept, which directs the sound very much. Rhapsodies does not, and this very much frees things up - you get more of a showcase of Rick enjoying himself.

I'd guess that the feel of this album puts a lot of folks off it, but having listened to some of his more recent stuff, this is a lot better than much of the last ten to fifteen years of RW!

For all that this is a fun album, I wouldn't actually recommend it for first listening. I've always felt that Six Wives is the best start point, as that captures a far rawer RW.

oldgoat | 3/5 | 2009-8-26

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