1984

I took me a while to take a step into Rick Wakeman's discography of the '80s and so I completely unnecessarily suffered though Rhapsodies, White Rock and even Lisztomania before purchasing this 1981-release. It would have been even better to have it released the same year as the story it depicts, especially since it was only three years left to the occasion, but at least we have an excellent movie starring John Hurt to thank for that!

Let me begin by saying that this album definitely sound like an 80's release. What else to say but the fact that the '80s had a very bad effect on most of the greats progressive artists. Everything from instrumental performances to vocals sound dated beyond belief and had it not been for a few glimpses of sheer brilliance this album would have been completely forgettable. The only track that really works from start to finish and therefore worth mentioning is The Hymn featuring the great Jon Anderson on vocals. This performance makes me wish that Anderson had done the vocals even for the rest of this album since changing a vocalist for every new track doesn't make the album flow too well.

1984 isn't really a concept album. Yes, the story is here but basically feels more like a collection of performances on the overall theme and never like a well developed concept album.

***** star songs: The Hymn (3:08)

**** star songs: 1984 Overture (10:54) The Room (4:10) Forgotten Memories (2:50) 1984 (6:25)

*** star songs: Julia (4:38) Robot Man (3:57) Sorry (2:56) No Name (3:14)

** star songs: Proles (3:26)