THE ABSOLUTE UNIVERSE - THE BREATH OF LIFE (ABRIDGED VERSION)

Forevermore broke the record for longest epic in progressive rock history, The Breath of Life version also enters the top 10 with 64 minutes and 12 seconds of prog goodness. I do like the idea of having a more digestible version of this album, this version has a song that isn't included on the Forevermore version, "Can You Feel It". I find that this version is a great way to listen to the Forevermore (full version) edition in a more compressed and digestible format. So to the tracks!

Overture: The version more like the one found on the single released a few months ago, an amazing way to open up the album yet again. 5/5

Reaching For The Sky: The lesser version of the second track on both versions of this amazing album. I still love this track and how much this shows the accessible side of prog. Stellar. 5/5

Higher Than The Morning: The Neal version of this track interests me a bit more than the Roine version, I like how prominent the harmonies are on this version of the song. Still an amazing track, 5/5.

The Darkness In The Light: Its the same on both versions of the album, despite the mix being a tiny bit different and this version sounding a bit more compressed in the production area. 5/5

Take Now My Soul: Swing High, Swing Low, just get me through to tomorrow, oh wait... wrong track, technically the same song. Incredible still, not sure if I prefer this version or the Forevermore version more. Both are incredible. 5/5

Looking For The Light: A bit longer on this version but ultimately the same, just as incredible on the Forevermore version. 5/5

Love Made a Way (Prelude): About a minute longer on this version with more to go on with flow on this version of the album, great but I ultimately find the other version a tad more forgiving on the flow of the album. 4/5

Owl Howl: Same as the Forevermore version, just longer, still incredible playing. Well done. 5/5

Solitude: Just as incredible as the Forevermore version, just a tad shorter. Lovely singing and lovely songwriting. 5/5

Belong: Same as the version on the Forevermore version. 5/5

Can You Feel It: The only track that isn't included on the Forevermore edition of this album. This track is back to sounding like Spocks Beard, lots of acoustic guitars, keyboards and soft singing throughout. Incredible. 5/5

Looking For The Light (Reprise): Identical to the version on Forevermore, still great, still love how this song works on the album. 5/5

The Greatest Story Never Ends: Amazing but... compared to the Forevermore version, this is just not on par with it. Great but... I need those Gentle Giant vocals! 4/5

Love Made a Way: Similar to the Forevermore version but the way this one ends the album off gives you a different feeling, a new feeling of completion but with such a warm feeling. Love that custom percussion at the end, its nice and warm. 10/10

Overall, still amazing but I prefer Forevermore just a bit more.

Fraction Rating: 73/75 Percentage Rating: 97.33%

Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music.