I ROBOT

It didn't take long for the Alan Parsons Project to follow up their debut album and it's clear that they were at a creative peak around the time of this release.

This time around we are treated to an entirely different concept album concerning the famous science fiction short stories by Isaac Asimov. If you know nothing about these stories then please don't be discouraged because Alan Parsons Project has never really been about the linear lyrical content and instead concentrated on the thematic aspects of their concept albums like the loose overall themes. Besides, the album is more generically about robots rather than anything specifically related to the Asimov universe, so just relax and enjoy the ride!

Unlike the debut I Robot is a mixed bag of goods, but that's not necessarily a bad thing since most of the material here is top notch. We are treated to some of the most beautiful ballads of the 70's like the wonderful Don't Let It Show and some of the most technically progressive sounds of the era like the opening title track.

I consider it somewhat of a pity that they had to add two rather bland and generic singles that make this album a bit of a dated affair. Still it's by far my favorite Alan Parsons Project release to date and I will actually go as far as calling this an excellent addition to any progressive rock collection!

***** star songs: Some Other Time (4:05) Don't Let It Show (4:21) Genesis Ch. 1 V. 32 (3:37)

**** star songs: I Robot (6:06) The Voice (5:21) Nucleus (3:35) Day After Day (Show Must Go On) (3:43) Total Eclipse (3:05)

*** star songs: I Wouldn't Want To Be Like You (3:19) Breakdown (3:50)