HEAD FIRST

Is Uriah Heep a prog-rock band? Well, is Asia a prog-rock band then? Both - are not - a true prog-rock band, but Heep did make several albums in the early 70s with prog nuance. Ken Hensley roaring keys/organ certainly contribute to that. Head First is their second album following their revival after the band broke down earlier. You just have to acknowledge Mick Box persistence to revive the band with new members - without Hensley, Wetton and/or Lawton. Their first post-revival album - Abominog - can be considered in the same manner as Yes '90125' or Genesis 'Genesis 83' - where they opted to play lighter music with more melody - as opposed to their "trade-mark" music. Abominog - released in 82 was in straight hard-rockin songs/ AOR. During those years - it does not fall out of place.

Lets talk about Head First. It is not as strong as Abominog - as "we've heard that tune before" - previously played in Abominog. BUT, Head First still comes as good hard-rock album. Other Side of Midinight - is nice rock song with good melody to sing along - backed by harmonius backing vox. Stay on Top is a cheesy arena-rock- show-opener rock song. Terrible lyric, but - hey, this comes from old 70s band, certainly can match Bon Jovi or Dokken in that era. Lonely Nights is a strong pop melody - coming from oh well - Bryan Adams! Guess everyone is entitled to make money!

My favorite track has always been Love is Blind. The backing vocals during the chorus always remind me of - Styx. Peter Goalby - the voice, has a deeper heavy voice naturally but he sings slightly falsetto in the chorus. The rest of the tracks - are in the same vein - with Straight Through The Heart and Weekend Warriors are the other outstanding tracks.

If your interest is in pure prog - skip Uriah Heep. If you like Heep in the 70s - you may not enjoy this album If you like good - hard rockin songs (think Rainbow's Bent Out of Shape, Styx's Killroy was here) - Head First is a gem - along with of course - Abominog.

Rizal - Jakarta