Customer Reviews

Arkangel

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Arkangel is a pleasing solo album from John Wetton. It was released in 1999. Of the 14 tracks, the last two--"Magazines" and the live "Woman"--are bonus cuts. Also, the album contains two instrumentals, the album-opening "The Circle of St. Giles," which is attractive and atmospheric, and the nicely crafted, dramatic "The Celtic Cross." The material is in a pop rock musical direction. Overall, I find the songwriting to be solid, the musicianship to be skilled, and the sound quality to be impressive. Wetton's meat-and-potatoes singing is distinctive, smooth, and magnetic. The compositions are organic in quality. The songs that I consider to be favorites are "Desperate Times," "You Against the World," and "Magazines." The pretty-sounding "Desperate Times" displays expressive, industrious vocals from Wetton and nice saxophone playing. "You Against the World" is a warm composition with a captivating guitar melody and remarkable singing from Wetton. The regal "Magazines" has engaging keyboard work and a beautiful, melodious guitar solo. Other pieces that I enjoy are "I Can't Lie Anymore," "Arkangel," "Emma," and "Nothing Happens for Nothing." The jaunty "I Can't Lie Anymore" features a catchy chorus and ambitious vocals from Wetton. The plaintive "Arkangel" exhibits a pleasant guitar solo, while the solemn "Emma" sports charming guitar playing, and the fun, bouncy "Nothing Happens for Nothing" features infectious, layered harmony vocals during the refrain and a harmonica solo. The CD booklet includes the song lyrics and an illustration of Wetton; also, there is an illustration of him on the back of the CD jewel case. The disc is almost 58 minutes. Arkangel is a recommendable piece of work.

This CD has an interesting vibe to it. I tend to like it's more experimental, less commercial vibe than that of Battle Lines/Voice Mail. John Young, who is a good music composer helps out on some of the tracks, and there's some tasty guitar work on the record from Billy Liesegang. A couple songs, like "Desperate Times" are uneven and don't sound well suited to John's voice. Actually his voice is all around stronger on his Rock Of Faith release, 6 years later, than on this album. "The Last Thing On My Mind" is a great song, along with "You Against the World" and "I Can't Lie Anymore" ... the latter and some of the songs having a kind of melancholic feel to them. The instrumental "The Celtic Cross" has some nice orchestra sounds, and real nice acoustic guitar in the 2nd half. An overall strong release

I am a great fan of this maestro, since the earliest year in ASIA when I was very young, this is a fine work from this guy and the perfomance of the tracks is excellent, if you like ASIA on Wetton era you love this album

Just when you thought he couldn't go any deeper, John Wetton surprises again. This follow-up to his post-ASIA solo debut "Battle Lines" is a darker, painfully personal document of confession and revelation. And the "old guy" hasn't forgotten how to rock, either. Best cuts: Nothing Happens for Nothing (w/guest Steve Hackett), I Can't Lie Anymore, The Last Thing On My Mind. It's a shame more folks aren't aware of the quality music Wetton makes. Arkangel is a rocking winner.

A unique mixture of desperation and serenity that has always been present in his music; the title track and "Emma" are the first ones to get to your head, but then comes the time also for "Desperate Times", "The Last Thing on my Mind" and almost all the others. Also the bonus tracks (Magazines and Woman)leave a mark on the heart although the main part of the record is a kind of whole, it begins and ends with instrumental pieces. Definitely pop, but anyway definitely brilliant.

I am a great fan of this maestro, since the earliest year in ASIA when I was very young, this is a fine work from this guy and the perfomance of the tracks is excellent, if you like ASIA on Wetton era you love this album

I've enjoyed listening to John Wetton for a number of years. He's made great music with Asia and UK. Some of his solo stuff and the Wetton/Manzanera stuff has been so-so. However, I was very impressed with "Battlelines" and didn't think I would ever get a copy of "Arkangel". I was hoping "Arkangel" would be "Battlelines Part 2" but it's not. Where many of the songs on "Battlelines" (like "Crime of Passion", "Hold Me Now", and the title song) jump out at you, "Arkangel" only has a few songs with the same emotional punch. I like "The Last Thing On My Mind", "I Can't Lie Anymore", "Arkangel", "Emma", and "Nothing Happens For Nothing". This album seems slightly darker than "Battlelines" but does occasionally rock out. The main problem with the album is that you won't remember many of the songs after you play them unless you go back and play them a few more times. The album does grow on you. It's just a shame you have to play it so many times to remember the music.

i actually baught this cd thinking it was somebody else. at first i was upset , but decided to give it a try anyway. it ended up being an album that says in my stereo and that i listen to a lot.

I bought this album from this incredibly talented musician expecting great songs, and I was not disappointed!...the entire CD is amazingly great!...my favorite tune on this studio cut for me is "All Grown Up." It is simply magnificent!!!...I would highly recommend this album to people that appreciate excellent music!!

Compré este disco como parte de mi ya abultada colección de Cd's relacionados con King Crimson, pero, hace tiempo que ya no esperaba nada de Mr. John Wetton. Por ese motivo, este disco ha sido una considerable sorpresa. No es que descubra nada nuevo, pero lo que hace lo hace muy bien, e incluye algunas canciones soberbias. Lástima de 3 o 4 temas que suenan a la enésima reencarnación de Asia.