NUDE

Nude is often referred to as a return to form but actually it isn't a lot better or even all that different from the two preceding albums. The difference is one of focus and attention to detail.

City Life is a mellow pop song that sounds exactly like all other prog of that time: smooth, glossy, commercial, emotionless, uninspired and musically poor. The same can be said about Drafted, though the guitar work is really good here. The main reason why I can enjoy these songs is because this album holds together pretty well as a concept. Meaning that the entire experience brings this to a higher level then just the sum of the parts.

The instrumentals Docks - Beached is where the album really starts making sense and are good examples of glossy prog that still sounds exciting and inspired. There are a few doodling parts and pointless themes that would inspire future generations of neo-proggers but on the whole these two songs have a good epic feel.

After the atmospheric Landscapes, Changing Places founds us in the middle of a Peter Gabriel album. It's not bad but a bit derivative. It is followed by a number of nice atmospheric instrumentals. Captured takes a harder rocking approach. It's an ok instrumental but it works better in the version on the 1984 live album Pressure Points.

The closing tracks are the best part of the album. Lies is a beautiful and emotive pop-prog song and a long-standing favorite of mine in that particular style. The vocals are great here and so is Latimer's bluesy guitar. The closing Birthday Cake - Nude's Return is the best instrumental on the album with a really uplifting melody. Had the entire album been like this, 4 stars would have been easily deserved.