SI ON AVAIT BESOIN D'UNE CINQUIÈME SAISON

The word "beautiful" has been used so much that it has lost it's meaning. Let me tell you, though, that if you want to hear something that will forever raise your standards of what beautiful music is, listen to Harmonium's SI ON AVAIT BESOIN D'UNE CINQUIEME SAISON. I decided to check this album out that I had previously never heard of before when I saw it in the top 10 of the Top 100 Albums on ProgArchives. Like many of the Prog Classics, the album cover is breath-taking and memorable, so that also influenced my purchase. Upon the first listen, I was convinced that not only does this belong in the Prog Archives top 10, it has certainly made it's way into one of my personal favorites. The concept isn't too original: each of the four (or, in this case, five) tracks is based on a season, but never before will you hear it done as

The album opens up with "Vert." This track represents Spring, with the snow melting away and a new year beginning with the haunting wind instruments that open the track. The vocals then come in, as it becomes a whimsical, folksy song. The vocals are very dreamy, and the acoustics do a good job of creating a laid-back atmosphere. A saxophone and clarinet solo even add a little jazz to the mix, and close off this wonderful track.

The second track is "Dixie." This track represents Summer, and is a very peppy and carefree song. The piano is dominant here, and give the song an innocent feel to it. This song reminds me of days where I have nothing but free time, and it feels like a dream all day long. The track reaches it's peak when it goes on an instrumental excursion, with a charming saxophone only to enlighten the mood even more. This song is a joyous romp to listen to, and another essential track from this essential album.

The third track is "Despuis L'Automne." This track represents Fall, and actually begins quite chillingly. The vocals are very soft, if not always as cheerful as the previous two tracks. The mellotron adds a powerful and emotional background to this track, and the woodwind instruments that play over it are just as beautiful as ever. Later into the track, the vocals return, as well as synthesizer. The track ends much differently than it began, with hopeful and uplifting vocal harmonies. A great epic, and comparable to the majestic final track.

The fourth track is "En Pleine Face." This track represents Winter, and has a very delicate and homely feeling. It reminds me of warming up near a fireplace in a log cabin, safe from the snow outside. Of course, the harsh weather is still wondrous to look at through the window pane. This feeling is perfectly captured with the organic and folksy music, with some piano and ethereal textures to capture the sounds of an icy climate. Another excellent track.

The album ends with "Histoires Sans Paroles." This track represents the ambiguous fifth season, but if there is anything I know about this lost season from this track is one word: Heavenly. This is an epic track, 17-minutes long and instrumental. Simply put, this is one of the greatest songs I've ever heard. The track opens with the sounds of moving woodwinds and mellotron, and from that moment on you know you are taking the first steps to a grand journey. Throughout this epic track, the listener goes through many different emotions, from joyous to pensive to at one point, maybe even a little put-off. It ends magnificently, and leaves a lasting impression on the listener. This track is so glorious, it was one of the few Progressive Rock tracks that almost brought me to tears.

I'll say it again, SI ON AVAIT BESOIN D'UNE CINQUIEME is one of the most beautiful sounds you can treat your ears to. This is a fantastic album, and if you want some life- affirming music, look no further than Harmonium's masterpiece. Your life will be better with it.

Five Stars- Essential: a masterpiece of progressive rock music.