While
Saga
began as a
progressive rock
band, increasing
pop
sensibilities put the group in a league with bands like
the Fixx
in the early '80s. This album, which follows the excellent
Worlds Apart
, is nearly as good as its predecessor;
Michael Sadler
's commanding voice leads the way while the rest of the band punches up the fairly succinctly written songs with loads of texture and occasional instrumental fireworks. The guitar/keyboard interplay between
Jim Gilmour
and
Ian Crichton
alone is enough to get music geeks salivating. Producer
Rupert Hine
gives the material just enough production sheen to make it sizzle on the airwaves (
"The Flyer"
was a minor radio hit). Equally enjoyable for
fans and
prog rock
fans, this unfortunately was
's last great record. ~ Andy Hinds