SWEET FREEDOM

Technically speaking there is nothing wrong with this album. Technically no, but music is not something you can touch and admire how well is crafted , you also have to feel it or feel something while you listening . And that's the main problem I have with this album. I don't feel nothing special while I am listening this , well except for the great Stealin' which is exception and two more other tracks but the others they really don't have much to offer. The music is very well played that must be said at least by the UH standard. Its still heavy and rocking and even more melodic then in previous albums. lyrics are bit uninspired it seams that moving from fantasy motives have left them, well just uninspired.

First track "Dreamer" although is energetic it is also annoying and only bad copy of similar songs from previous albums. "Stealin'" is totally different thing. It is only song here that gives me the thrills. It is no surprise that it was a very big hit. I just adore the easy rhythm with which song starts and the laugh that Byron makes after singing the line "I don the rancher's daughter". I love the guitar solo, the great back vocals, music, lyrics and great atmosphere which prevails through entire song. After that thrill comes "One Day" another totally uninspired song. I really don't have nothing special to say about this song. Totally uninspired. Beginning melody of "Sweet Freedom" reminds me of the beginning of the Circle of Hands. The track is mediocre attempt of making a song like July Morning and even if there was no such attempt the song is still mediocre. "If I Had The Time" is nice ballad where band has finally made one new melody instead of just copying what have they than in the past. Although the song is nice and long over 5 minutes there is nothing in it more than this melody that only repeats itself thru entire song. "Seven Stars" is good, hard rocking song and along with Stealin ( maybe also Circus ) the best that this album offers. "Circus" is nice song with atmospheric acoustic sound a bit different than standard UH tracks but anyway really nice and refreshing track. In the and comes "Pilgrim" another attempt of making some kind of semi epic. Although not very bad song but same as Sweet Freedom I would describe her as mediocre and in some moments also annoying.

Good, but non-essential is a fair evaluation of this album where technical value would be 4 and emotional only 2 stars.