I am MOST excited about this release. I recall hearing "Journey to the Centre of the Earth" for the first time back in 1976, during my junior year of high school. I was instantly a fan of Wakeman from that point on! In fact, and this does sound silly, a friend of mine and I even worked out a marching band finale, complete with formations and everything, during the latter part of my junior year to the ending of "Journey..." We decided against it though, cuz we knew our cymbal player at the time would blow the solo cymbal crash at the end ;-)
When I heard "Return..." was being produced, I was taken back to the days of the endless playings of "Journey..." (all 4 copies of the vinyl!) on my old turntable...and when they announced a limited edition release on vinyl...I HAD to have it!
Well, it arrived on April 2nd (I was on vacation, otherwise I would have got it sooner!), and I was awestruck. The opening track..very warm, inviting...and then..THE VOICE. I can't think of a better person to narrate this work than Patrick Stewart. With Rick's backgrounds and Patrick's voice, you are transported on the journey with the travellers...I was sitting in my living room in Alaska and could just visualize the sights being described. The way Patrick presents the story, you are also totally involved with the travellers...feeling all emotions, seeing their sights. It was actually all very uncanny.
Well, I guess you can tell so far that I like the album...in fact I love it! Many "goose-bumpy" parts for me. That is very important! When music can move you to the point of getting goose-bumps, you know something is right about that piece!
Ok...now for the Track-by-Track review...if you can stand it ;-)
Track |
Review |
| "The Voice" tracks - i.e. the Patrick Stewart Narration's |
As mentioned above, Patrick Stewart has to be one of
the worlds greatest orators. His expression/tone/pronunciation/accent/etc... can
carry your imagination to the centre of the earth with the travellers. All of the
narrations are perfect, and the accompanying background music is subtly
there..lurking..adding another dimension to the readings. PS - Make sure you have your COLLEGIATE dictionary handy to guide you from the volcanic tufa, through various geologic formations, numerous antediluvian creatures, fighting Quetzalcoatlus, gyratory motions of Globes of Fire, inspissating waters and expulsions from side-shafts ;-) |
| 2 - The Return Overture | RULZ. This word will probably be overused too much in this review, or if you visit on IRC while the group in #ashesburning is simul-listening to the piece! An excellent Overture to entire work..definitely setting the mood for the "Return" Journey. From the symphonic opening theme, that appears throughout, and the choir work...the goosebumps begin early. As usual, Rick's use of PROPER key changes/syncopation add a great deal to this introductory track. |
| 4 - Buried Alive (featuring Ozzy Osbourne) |
Ok. I was, like, hmmmm...Ozzy on a Wakeman album. But this DEFINITELY works! Ozzy adds his usual "SCARY" style, and brings you face-to-face with the earthquake. The leanings toward hard rock..along with Wakeys excellent synth accompaniments add to the excitement of the piece. I think this would make an appropriate single from the album... excellent. |
| 6 - Is Anybody There (featuring Bonnie Tyler) |
A very contemplation oriented song - as the travellers wonder as to whom is watching them from the nooks and crannies of their journey. Bonnie Tyler's unique voice and the mysterious sounding style of the piece make you want to watch out for the things that go "bump" in the night! Also, as I joke to my friend on IRC, I call it the "seasick" song, with the "up and down" motion to the music...HA. This song, as well, has the travellers wondering why they undertook the Journey in the first place. Very deep. |
| 8 - The Dance of 1000 Lights | RULZ! AWESOME! RULZ! Told Ya :) This track emphasizes Rick's classical side. With the awesome FAST piano work and orchestral backing this is one of my favourite tracks. And just when you think it is moving along fast enough - he speeds it up at the end! My fingers ache every time I listen to it :) |
| 10 - Mr. Slow (featuring Tony Mitchell) |
HA! The first time I read this title I just let out a laugh. I knew it had to deal with the now infamous "12 foot Proteus that brandished an enormous brow". Very well done...very eerie in its sound, it describes the encounter with the primitive human being quite well. |
| 12 - Never Is A Long, Long Time (featuring Trevor Rabin) | RULZ! A nice visit from another Yes member. This songs brings one back to a couple of the older Yes songs...with the melodies and rhythms. Again..the orchestra and choir add significant depth, and of course Trevor's proper guitar work is just a GIVEN. The song itself describes their perilous freefall through a nasty water-chute which dumps them into the Lidenbrook Sea. Very scary...listen to the lyrics in this one... |
| 14 - The Kill | OOO! RULZ! MAJOR GOOSEBUMPS! OK...maybe I got too excited...maybe not. This is an AWESOME track! I know I shouldn't get so excited over a piece concerning death/dismemberment/etc..., BUT, musically speaking, this track is fantastic! The baroque style trumpet at the beginning, along with the backing orchestra sets the very frantic pace for the entire piece. THEN, Wakey joins in and delivers an awesome synth solo! Once the choir joins in...OH BOY! That does it! Choir..orchestra and trumpet to the end...I was in HEAVEN, musically of course :) |
| 16 - Still Waters Run Deep (featuring Justin Hayward) |
After the appropriate fish lesson by Patrick Stewart, we are brought back into a very peaceful mode by this track. It has VERY Moody's overtones..a very nice Wakey fluty synth solo..and is over all a great track to relax, reflect, and offer prayer to...as the travellers are doing at this point in their Journey. There are a couple of places in this song where the goosebumps appear also...during the instrumentals. Right after the tympani rolls, there is a certain progression that Wakey uses (going into a minor key I think?) that is classic, and always moves me. |
| 18 - Ride Of Your Life (featuring Katrina Leskanich) |
Hmmmm. I guess there is always one song that is disliked on an album, and for me this one is it. I understand the songs purpose/rhythm/etc...and the Globes of Fire chasing everyone about whilst in their Turtle Shells is WAY COOL...but; this song is just TOO long. I think we get the idea after the first couple verses. Katrina and the Waves never struck me in the 80s and she really doesn't strike me now either. |
| 20 - Floodflames | OOO! RULZ! GOOSEBUMPS! Of course this is a RULZ song since it is a recapitulation of the latter half of the Journey, featuring themes from The Kill <MAJOR RULZ> and Never is a Long, Long Time <RULZ>. Also, it is allowing you to absorb the INTENSITY of being chased around by the Globes of Fire. An excellent instrumental with appropriate orchestra, choir and of course AWESOME Wakey synth! |
| 22 - The End Of The Return | MAJOR GOOSEBUMPS! RULZ! AWESOME! A most excellent Finale!! The theme from The Return Overture appears again as we are transported from the frightening Mt. Etna. Again, Wakey uses PROPER key changes to allow for appropriate goosebumps. Also, the full orchestra and choir...with excellent depth of part...and the two Wakey synth solos add LOTS. A fitting ending to a most wonderful Journey :) |
Thanks for listening!
To: Rick Wakeman's Return to the Centre of the Earth page. Once you read the history, click on the topics on the bar above the page for some cool pictures, music clips, commercials and more!