Saga 20/20

Michael Sadler back there! Although "representation" Rob Moratti has on the "Human Conditions" album and on the last two tours not done his job badly, the expectations of the new Saga album was tremendously high. Maybe that was the problem ...? The first title: "Six Feet Under" - an unmistakable Saga titles with the ingredients of prog rock fan as expected; OK, but a far cry from titles such as "Trust", "Lifeline" and "The Runaway". "Anywhere you want to go", the second track is because even a slight increase, the chorus is catchy and stuck fast; the solo by Ian Crichton is as well another reviewer already noticed unusual angle. Who now expects a further increase, is bitterly disappointed by schunkeligen "Ellery" (3/4-time). "Spin It Again" has a prime verse, which is then made by an inappropriate Desert Refrain broken - too bad! Even Jim Gilmour's "Another Day Out Of Sight" is, in terms of composition, no revelation. I must confess now that I fell asleep at the fifth title ("One Of These Days"). Pieces that absolutely swept away at the first hearing (It's Your Life, Book Of Lies, Outside Looking In - I call conscious pieces from the recent past) no longer come. A rhythmic delicacy ("You Look Good To Me" of "Human Condition") are denied the listener. So I can understand all the negative reviews anywhere, because after the first listening to the CD I was quite disappointed, but as I said, maybe the expectations were too high. Even albums, like "Trust" or "Network" have quite a hanger. I want the album not do wrong and wanted to muster patience: His qualities emerge, in fact only with time. This is especially true for Ball And Chain, Lost For Words (both beautiful ballad) and "Till The Well Runs Dry" (to the Saga-typical, lightning fast unison parts of guitar and keyboards), containing all three great instrumental passages and their tunes after a few passages are "not out of the ear" to get. Another plus: On many tracks is bassist Jim Crichton in masterly fashion a bass synthesizer, a thing very close to the 81 he reminds me classic World's Apart.
Conclusion: A solid album that grows with time, with actually no total failure, even the little things gewöhnungsbedürftigeren move with the times in his ear, I vacillate between three and four stars.