BROKEN BARRICADES

"Broken Barricades" is the 5th full-length studio album by UK rock act Procol Harum. The album was released through A&M Records in April 1971. "Broken Barricades" was recorded at AIR studios in London and produced by Chris Thomas. This would be guitarist Robin Trower´s last album with Procol Harum before pursuing a solo career.

The original album featured eight tracks while the 2002 CD Re-issue features three bonus tracks (Single edits and mono versions of some of the original songs). All eight tracks are high quality compositions brilliantly showcasing Procol Harum´s by now trademark style. Gary Brooker´s omnipresent piano playing, strong vocals and memorable vocal melodies, Robin Trower´s bluesy guitar delivery, Barrie James Wilson´s strong and busy drumming and Chris Copping´s excellent bass and organ/synth playing (classical inspired). The lineup has not changed since the release of "Home (1970)" but the tracks generally stand out more on "Broken Barricades" compared to the material on "Home (1970)". Strong and memorable pop/rock compositions with just enough innovative ideas to occasionally be tagged semi-progressive.

"Broken Barricades" is a very well written and diverse album. Tracks like the powerful "Simple Sister", the beautiful "Broken Barricades" (which features piano/keyboard work reminiscent of Genesis), the equally beautiful and string laden "Luskus Delph", The powerful "Power Failure" (featureing an almost fusion-like middle drum part), and the psychadelic Song For A Dreamer", represent some of the highlights of the album and at the same time display the diversity of the material. The whole thing is packed in a warm and pleasant sounding production. A 3.5 - 4 star (75%) rating is deserved.