GENTLE GIANT

The debut album by one of the most original, unique, complex and groundbreaking bands in the world. Hard to write about them, really. Their departure from a pop/r&b outfit to one of the most innovative prog bands of the world (of not THE most innovative) in such a little time is absolute amazing. Still, this is the sole GG album that you will find some hints of their past (Aquaring The Taste, their second, is another story completely). So this is maybe the reason why I always recommend this album to the newbie. Their music was already incredibly unique, but it was also more accessible than a lot that was done soon afterwards. But don't worry, they never really went over the top and always menage to write something that has great harmonies and good hooks, no matter how intricated they were. That rare quality was the main reason behind so much fame and fair prasing.

There are great tunes in this album: Funny Ways, Nothing At All and Why Not being my all time favorites since I first heard them. The group had a superb line up even this early in their career, with everybody doing a fantastic work together. The chemestry worked from day one, although it was clear that Phil Shulman sounds a bit like the odd man out (his Isn't It Quiet And Cold? is a good exemple). Anyway, as a debut GG is a triumph of art over commercialism. They managed to produced something totally different and would eventually won the hearts of many progheads over the years.

They would make more revolutionary and/or successful albums in the following years, but this debut was already awesome and would assure them a place in prog history even if they did not deliver anything after it. So hail to GG! If you're new to their music, this the CD to start. 4,5 stars.