SLEEPING IN TRAFFIC - PART TWO

This was one of the first albums I got when I was first starting to get into modern prog, and to be honest, I bought it because it had a 35-minute song. Now, quite a while after buying it (several years, if memory serves) I'd like to take a shot at reviewing it.

As you can probably tell by the number of stars to the upper left of this review, i love this album. Conceptually, it is supposed to represent the nighttime hours, and, while that's not always apparent, the whole album creates an absolutely amazing and cohesive atmosphere.

The Tracks:

As the Sun Sets: A short little opening instrumental. Not too much to say but very pleasant.

Into the Night: The first proper track of the album sets quite a high bar. From the first line the song is energetic and lyrically very strong. Rikard Sjöblom's voice is perfectly suited to the music and the writing is very good: this song goes through a number of themes, all of which are very powerful and interesting.

The Hunter: A bit shorter and less complex than Into the Night, still a very energetic song. This one is a little more poppy, but that's not necessarily a bad thing here. Very catchy and again lyrically strong.

South of the Border: This is kind of a weird one. Lyrically very silly, it has a sort of "exaggerated blues" feel to it. Still has a couple different sections though.

Cashflow: Interesting instrumental. Sounds very happy and upbeat, almost childish in its themes, but still good.

The Downward Spiral/Chimay: This one definitely gives you a late night feel, if that makes sense. A bit more atmospheric than some of the others.

Sleeping in Traffic: The song that prompted me to buy the album. I was not disappointed. Starting with a powerful bass, the song goes through an instrumental section before arriving at its first theme, a beautiful and haunting melody that gives the listener the impression of driving alone at night. Many more sections and themes follow, all brilliant, and all very well written. One of my absolute favorite prog epics.

Sunrise Again: Another instrumental. Similar to As the Sun Sets.

This is definitely the place to start with Beardfish, and in my opinion their best album. Definitely Recommended.