THE MISSING PIECE

This is a GG album that seems very polarizing for many people. I understand why, as it's the first big move toward commercial accessibility for the band. There were some signs earlier, but The Missing Piece carries it through. I don't find it as bad as Giant for Day, which I find unlistenable, but there are several tracks that are not very good.

1-Two Weeks in Spain-an okay opener with some energy and nice changes.

2-I'm Turning Around-I happen to like this track, it's catchy and still has some redeeming GG sounds, but was definitely an attempt at a single.

3-Betcha Thought We Couldn't Do It-not good. Blatant pop song that isn't even a good pop song!

4-Who Do You Think We Are?-A nice opening riff, then just a mediocre poppy song.

5-Mountain Time-Should have been left in the mountains. Another pop song, better than "Betcha" and "Who..." but still a pop song.

6-As Old As You're Young.-For me, a good GG song. It is a bit simpler and straight forward than classic GG, but it's got some complexity and a great melody.

7-Memories of Old Days-IMHO the best song on the album. Multiple layered guitars, haunting melody and keys. One of their last great tracks. (It was a great track live).

8-Winning-strange percussion and rhythm, but a decent song.

9-For Nobody-a good powerful ending, though short. I find it as a sort of "Cogs In Cogs' lite! Good vocal counterpoint.

In summary, 3 Stars, an okay album, but definitely not essential and definitely not an example of GG at their creative and musical best.