OUT THERE

I had no idea Wakeman had put this many solo albums out over the years, he sure hasn't sat still long. It is agreed that this is one of his better ones. Damian Wilson on vocals was a wise move. He brings passion and suits the surprisingly heavy music quite well. This album is dedicated to the crew who lost their lives while on the space shuttle Columbia. He has a picture of the 7 members along with their job title while aboard this flight. Once again I review an album that is right in between a 3 and 4 star rating in my opinion. Frustrating. The negatives are the opening and closing tracks (the two longest ones) which I don't like at all. The positives are all that's in between.

"Out There" opens with synths and it continues until before 2 minutes when vocals and a full sound arrive. A calm before 4 minutes then it picks back up before 6 minutes like earlier. Guitar solo after 7 1/2 minutes. "The Mission" features pulsating keyboards as drums pound. Guitar joins in then vocals. Great sounding tune. "To Be With You" has a beat and atmosphere as reserved vocals join in. Backing choir vocals come and go.

"Universe Of Sound" is uptempo and quite intense with vocals. The guitar and keyboards light it up after 5 minutes. "Music Of Love" opens with drums pounding and synths washing. Guitar then vocals join in.This rocks out pretty good. "Cathedral Of The Sky" opens with organ as Rick puts on a display. He continues this throughout. Choirs join in. Not a fan of this though. Drums and guitar after 2 minutes.The choir is back as they trade off with Damian. Not a fan at all.

This probably deserves 4 stars but I don't feel right in giving that so 3.5 stars.