1984

As the title implies, it is based on the novel 1984, but the music may fool you, since it is not as dark as what you would expect from it (except on 'the room' ). I think the concept fails because it does not capture the mood of 1984. It is way too happy and 80s sounding.

The Overture might be his best song from all his 80s albums. It is a very solid progressive rock epic of 3 different sections. It uses female backing vocalists, a small orchestra, and a band, making himself less dominating of the music this time. His keyboard work, while more restrained, is impressive, and the balance between Wakeman and the band is something that was lacking on his previous works.

All the other tracks differ from hard rock, to fun pop/disco, to ballads (Jon anderson joins in one (the hymn)). Some irritate me (a woman screaming 1984 every 5 seconds especially) which prevents me from calling this album 'excellent addition to any prog music collection'.

My Grade : C