A MOMENTARY LAPSE OF REASON

There's something special in Pink Floyd without Roger Waters, it's not the same as when he was part of the band, but they maintain their identity and classical sound. "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" is not among the best Floyd albums, but still the fan can listen it and recognize their favorite band, even if they don't like the album very much.

The base of Pink Floyd is present with David Gilmour, Nick Mason and Max Wright, plus other musicians who will be part of later Floyd albums like Jon Carin and Scott Paige. The rest of the lineup is completed by efficient musicians and living legends as Tony Levin and Carmine Appice.

The album starts with a spacey instrumental called "Signs of Life" which for a few seconds reminds of "Shine on You Crazy Diamond", but it's only a short illusion, most of the songs lack of bright and becomes boring. The problem with this song is that it leads to nowhere, has no feet or head.

"Learning to Fly" is what I call a modern classic, well-achieved atmospheric sound, excellent guitar typical feminine chorus and strong drumming. Included in most live presentations of the band. I believe this song could have made it in previous albums with success.

"Dogs of War" is another modern Pink Floyd classic, very aggressive and hard song based mostly in the unique Gilmour vocals and excelent keyboards work plus an incredible bass and drum, maybe a bit repetitive but it's strength and psychedelic keyboards makes of it a great song.

"One Slip" is one of the weakest tracks, pretends to be dynamic but ends sounding as a POP oriented tune similar to Alan Parsons in his weakest albums. Luckily is followed by "On the Turning Away", a semi ballad with the signature of David Gilmour, the acoustic guitar is very pleasant but the keyboards and correct vocals in the middle of the song produce a nostalgic feeling, the effect is completed with the electric guitar at the end, IMO the best track of the album.

"Yet another Movie/Round and Around" is another track that leads to nowhere, keyboards are terrible and don't match with the vocals, monotone and repetitive turns into a predictable and boring song, not even the frantic guitar semi solo saves "Yet Another Movie" from disaster. Don't understand why they decided to divide this song in two parts, because honestly there's no substantial difference between them. The same fate is shared by the next track "A New Machine Part One" another unlucky song.

"Terminal Frost" even though is not brilliant, is saved by the jazzy edge, sounds as a good jamming session, efficient sax and drums, good but not excellent sounds as a jamming session. Of course there's no need to describe "A New Machine Part Two" which IMO consists in 38 seconds they needed to cover with something.

The album is closed with "Sorrow", it was about time they played a better track, Gilmour is outstanding with his guitar and vocals, the song has a constant evolution that keeps the interest of the listener even when it's not one of their best.

The album is not bad, but it's very uneven, with a first half much stronger than the second, and great tracks mixed with fillers. "A Momentary Lapse of Reason" will never be considered an essential album by any fan, but it's much better than what most critics affirm.

Good for die hard fans but if you don't have it, don't worry; there are plenty of Pink Floyd albums you should buy first.