BREATHLESS

This is my first review on site. As a prog-loving Camel fan, I chose this album as the first to review with the goal of perhaps helping those who do not appreciate this album to perhaps learn to enjoy it as much as I.

I consider this a prog masterpiece for the following reasons:

1) I consider Camel to be one of the top prog bands of all time 2) This album is splattered with all the cornerstones of the classic Camel sound as evidenced in both Mirage and Moonmadness albums. 3) Over the years, Camel has seldom if ever rested on their laurels and merely reproduced prior compositions with a few new touches. They have almost always tried something a bit new on each recoding in order to avoid becoming stale,in my opinion. 4) This album combines the mid-70's classic Camel sound with stirling production and dead -on pop sensibilities reminiscent of George Martin and the Beatles in their creative heyday, resulting in perhaps the most fun and cheery and accessible Camel album ever. top prog band + classic Camel sounds + innovation + sterling production + pop sensibilities = prog classic: 5 stars.

I think this is an album in the same vain as the album "Hope", by Klaatu. Though Breathless is not a theme album, I think it was Camel's best shot at applying their considerable artistry towards producing their ultimate, most accessible, prog/pop-rock album which has held up well over the years as a result.

Now, prog-head, lighten up and forget the notion that Camel sold out. Is there a better disco song out there for the prog-lover than "Summer Lightning"? I do not know of one. Much is said about Andy Latimer's searing guitar lead in this song + I agree. But it is Sinclair's driving, maniacal + obsessed bass line laid down throughout the song and during this solo that sets the table and makes this not just another execellent Latimer guitar excursion.