Classic Rock Bottom

Who? Saga

When? 1987

Album Title? Wildest Dreams

Weren't you going to post something different this week? Yes, but I listened to this earlier this week and liked it, especially the geetaring on the first track.

Seems like there's some negative reviews for this album. Is that a question?

No, but you are going to include the allmusic.com review, right? Right. 

1987's Wildest Dreams finds this Canadian semi-progressive band leaning toward a more radio friendly sound. With songs ranging from ballads to perky pop tempos, Wildest Dreams is a far cry from their keyboard-induced music of the early '80s. Michael Sadler's voice is still both a combination of gentleness and rigidity, but the music doesn't seem to fit his vocal climate as it did on past releases. The best song on the album, and maybe one of this group's most valiant efforts (song-wise), is the catchy "Only Time Will Tell" with the rickety plucking of electric guitar behind the quirky chorus. The attractiveness of the two-part vocal chorus, with background harmonies, works well, but beyond this tune the album is meek and somewhat stale. Average lyrics dressed up with typical instrumentation make up songs like "Chase the Wind" and "Angel" but result in nothing more than candy-coated love songs. The keyboards are put to poor use throughout the songs here, coming in as a faint backdrop to the empty lyrics. Saga's sound on this album is not awful, but it's a 180 degree turn from their dark, progressive music that they are well-known for, especially in Canada and Germany. As a pop album, or a grouping of slower rock songs, the album fits the bill. Fans that know Saga will want to leave this album behind and stick to releases from their glory years.

 

Wildest Dreams

1. Don't Put Out The Fire
2. Only Time Will Tell
3. Wildest Dreams
4. Chase The Wind
5. We've Been Here Before
6. Way Of The World
7. Angel
8. Don't Look Down

Availability: The single album goes for around $14 new, but if you look around you can find the 5 Original Albums Vol. 1 set for around $40 which includes five albums.

Views: 72

Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

I used to have their 2nd and 3rd album on vinyl. On CD I have few of their individual releases plus the Best of. I'm listening to Security Of Illusion the most mainly because I love me some "Without You" (great drums).

I don't have this album, but I recognize "Only Time Will Tell" from the Best Of. This is not exactly Progressive Rock nor it is Pop either. Something in between of the two styles, which is fine by me.

The review is accurate about two things, though. Michael Sadler's voice does not stand out on this album as it does on the Prog Rock releases, but it ain't exactly rigid. The album is slower than what Saga is mostly known for. The playing is interesting even if this isn't the most beloved Saga album.

Nice post.

Well, that's pretty good.  All I really have to go by is Worlds Apart.  I certainly love the songs On The Loose and Wind Him Up.  And I've wanted to pick up some Saga otherwise, I just never have.  That's not entirely true, I have Sagacity but I'm not sure if I've ever listened to it.  

This is good all the way through.  Way Of The World is the only song that isn't all that good.  Everything else I like, especially the last two songs.  

The singer is quite good, and when he sings high he sounds a bit like Andy Taylor, and I'm a fan there.  I also think the guitarist is really good.

Nice post.

RSS

Question Of The Week

CRB Features (Click photo to visit)

Birthdays

There are no birthdays today

CRB Staff Members

 

In Memory Of

Norma Jean Fox
(11/30/1945-9/7/2010)

Photos

  • Add Photos
  • View All

Videos

  • Add Videos
  • View All

Badge

Loading…

© 2024   Created by RJhog (Admin).   Powered by

Badges  |  Report an Issue  |  Terms of Service