"No one can stop you now...tonight you're on the loose!"
I'm sure everyone remembers this line from the most played song in the Saga discography. Worlds Apart probaby deserves a spot in our Past Present Classics section, but considering that this is one of the most recent of the Saga remasters, let's give it a spin here in our new reviews page, shall we!
The first thing that is striking about this CD before you even load it in the player is the cover art. Here in the US, we were treated to a boring drawing of a woman with big sunglasses and bright lipstick. What did that have to do with the album itself? Apparently nothing, but you know how record labels try to market to the US audiences. On the remaster, the original album cover is included, that being a grizzled old man who is checking out some wild looking map while surrounded by some severe fog or smoke. Much more interesting in my view! As for the songs, the already mentioned hit single "On the Loose" kicks things off in grand fashion with Jim Gilmour's rippling synths and Ian Crichton's power chords leading way for the anthemic vocals of Michael Sadler. This was early 80's progressive arena rock at its finest (if there ever was such a thing!) complete with hooks and complex instrumental interplay. A similar formula was used on "Wind Him Up", a chunky rocker that once again utilized the perfect combination of hard rock guitar licks, prog keyboard artistry, and pop hooks. A new wave kick can be heard on the bouncy "Amnesia", as well as some simple pop grandeur littered with nifty guitar/keyboard lines on "Framed." The gentle balance of emotional vocals from Sadler and Crichton's meaty guitar riffs can be heard on the catchy "Time's Up", while the band surfaced two more parts of the Chapters (5 & 8) on the engaging "No Regrets" and "No Stranger." There's even a blistering instrumental workout called "Conversations" that lets Crichton and Gilmour strut some serious chops.
The packaging on this and all the other remasters that have come out so far is superb, with full lyrics and photographs, and the sound quality of the CD is excellent. My one gripe-no rare bonus tracks. Yeah, a bonus video track is nice, but where's all the unreleased stuff?
Printer Friendly Page
Send to a Friend
