THE SIX WIVES OF HENRY VIII

This is very close to a masterpiece. I have never heard a keyboardist in such early times compose this kind of keyboard based music so well. The compositions are brilliant, intelligent, full of imagery and moods. Rick Wakeman has described each wife of Henry VIII with his musical genious.

1. Catherine of Aragon 9/10 : this is a classic, and a demonstration of how one keyboardist can make symphonic music like if an orchestra is playing. The playing is superb all around, and has many changes while not seeming incoherent.

2. Anne of Cleves (7:50) 9/10 : this song is more like a jazzy jam. The keyboards and drums especially shine. While the songwriting might not be as strong as some of the other pieces here, the energy here still make this song a very exciting listen.

3. Catherine Howard (6:36) 9.5/10 : this is one of the best rick wakeman compositions and the most relaxing and melodic of this album. Nevertheless, the best moment for me is when the heavy synthesizers appear out of nowhere during the middle of the track. It is just timeless.

4. Jane Seymour (4:44) 7/10 : the church organ is what makes this song, that's why I always prefer the studio version of it. The ascending synth section is very well done too.

5. Anne Boleyn 'the day thou gavest Lord is ended (6:31) 8/10 : this is a mixture of many keyboard styles and has lots of changes. It is brilliant, and once you get the hang of it (it takes a while to get into) ... you will always love it. There are many solos here.

6. Catherine Parr (7:00) 8.5/10 : great keyboard intro riff, great synth riff, great drumming. It is a very satisfying closer of this album that brings back the energy of Anne of Cleves in a somewhat different form.

My Grade : B+