HOLIDAYS IN EDEN

1991's 'Holidays in Eden' is the album on which Marillion had gone as furthest away as possible from their traditional prog roots, the record being their most commercially sounding one, produced by a famous Irish pop producer in the face of Christopher Neil, together with them being somewhat "under pressure" from their label EMI and their own search for a new and recognizable identity. The result of all this is an interesting follow-up to the brilliant debut of Steve Hogarth on 'Seasons End', where the band had attempted to compile a bold, yet daring collection of songs. 'Holidays in Eden', on the other hand, seems to be a much less adventurous album. The band is now entering a new decade and are trying to reach a larger audience, with a sound that is very strongly punctuated by AOR as well as 90s pop music.

The more alternative edge of the previous album seems to have been replaced by a more simplified songwriting, with the album being quite an easy listen and even enjoyable by the more general music fan. Instrumentally there is nothing overly exciting, in my view, while the improvement of the vocals is noticeable. The opening track and the title track tend to be the more compelling pieces, better developed in terms of texture and musicality, while most of side two leans towards the forgettable, the moody and extensive soundscape-like pop music, making the overall connection to the album weaker. Good album, yet nothing too special. 'Holidays in Eden' might as well be considered a stopgap release for Marillion.