BEAT

After the reemergence of the Crimson King for the wonderful Discipline, Robert Fripp moved boldly ahead without changing his lineup at all, unusual for him. This lineup would prove to be his most stable, lasting a whopping three albums (four if you count the double trio lineup of the 90s reforming). Expectation was high for Fripp, Bruford, and KC newcomers Levin and Belew. Sadly, this album just doesn't deliver. Beat is a rather disappointing album, and it's one of Crimson's low points. Satori in Tangier and Requiem are great tracks, and Heartbeat is addictive, but the rest of the album lacks the uniqueness that made King Crimson so enjoyable. They did nothing to expand on the formula of Discipline. Even Starless was a step away from Larks' Tongue. This album sticks to the pop- prog that worked for Discipline and the following Three of a Perfect Pair, but here it lacks any of the fun and groove. Even the prescence of my idol, Tony Levin, can't redeem this.

This one of KC's two albums I would give less than three stars to (the other being the absolute low point ConstruKtion of Light). The group would go out on a higher note with Three of a Perfect Pair, but it would THRAK to really bring back Crimson.