EVERYONE IS EVERYBODY ELSE

This album is a clear change into BJH musical orientation. Not just a label change. The band has finally dropped this useless orchestra that almost brought them to bankrupcy during the ... Harvest years.

Even if some BJH anthems have been written during those years ("She Said", "Mockingbird", "After The Day", " Summer Soldier") this period is far from being my fave one (the wonderful "Once Again" being the exception).

The music proposed here is simple, melodic, symphonic. In one word : beautiful. Some might be irritated that a band produces just nice music. No intricate lyrics à la Genesis, no complex music à la Yes here. Only straight-forward compositions full of emotions like in "The Great 1974 Mining Disaster". We'll even a rockier number with the opener "Child Of The Universe".

Maybe some numbers might sound a bit childish / naive like "Negative Earth", but I just love it. Of course this is easy listening music that does not require a lot of attention to discover whatever mysterious this or that. All these songs are very accessible but very personal and easily identifyable as well.

This album holds several very nice tracks like "Paper Wings", but the whole of this work flows easily from one song into the other. Almost no boring moments nor irritating passages. IMO, BJH starts the most brilliant period of their career with "Everyone". This peak will last for several years. Of course, John Lees is not the most brilliant vocalist but his voice fits perfectly well with the music : sweet, never unpleasant nor shouting but not boring either. You'll get this confirmed while listening to "Crazy City".

"See Me See You" is a bit too melowish, but as usual it is very melodic. The first weak moment is reached with the seventh track : "Poor Boy Blues". An accoustic and country song. I have never appreciate this genre (except some legendary tracks from C, S & N or Creedence). At this time of the album, it is obvious that BJH is short of inspiration. "Mill Boys" is another weak country/folk number. Press next if you have the CD version.

Fortunately, "For No One" is a great closing number. A superb and melodic ballad full of mellotron and nice guitar breaks.

Some might argue that this album lacks in variety, that it sounds about the same all the way through. Again, I just love it. It is a shame, though, that there are two weak numbers. Those prevent me to give the five stars rating. This album is one of their best studio one of their whole career. A great intro for a newcomer or just a curious one. A great yet simple symphonic moment. Four stars.