Customer Reviews

Full Circle

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Okay, perhaps 5 stars is a little excessive, seeing as how this CD isn't the most perfect thing since Mozart first sat down before a pianoforte.

But hey, what new album of the last, say, twenty years is?

The fact is, Saga is one of the most underrated bands ever and Full Circle is one of their best albums to date.
Fans of Saga need only glance at the other reviews posted here to know what Full Circle (and, indeed, its successor, this year's "House of Cards") is like.

Those less familiar with the band may wish to know the following.

From 1978 to 1980, Saga produced a number of quintessentially "progressive" rock albums ("Saga", "Images at Twilight" and, most notably, "Silent Knight"). Their particular brand of music was unique, based as it was more on a singular fusion of rock and jazz than on classical music. As a result, even the longer tracks on these first albums lacked the occasionally overwrought (pseudo-)complexity of the soon-to-emerge neo-progressive style bands like IQ, Pendragon and Pallas. This isn't surprising, considering that Saga is an American (Canadian) band, whilst just about every other progressive group out there at the time was British and desperately trying to emulate Genesis, Yes et al.

In the early 80's Saga further perfected their style, their musical approach becoming sharper and more focused. This lead to two very good albums, "Worlds Apart" (1981) and "Heads or Tales" (1983).

In spite of the fact that Saga seemed, by now, every bit as viable as their Canadian compatriots Rush, commercial succes eluded them. Things tapered off. A few mediocre albums followed ("Behaviour" in 1985 and "Wildest Dreams" in 1987) and that seemed that.

Until 1989. Suddenly Saga re-emerged with arguably their strongest album to date: "The Beginner's Guide To Throwing Shapes". On this album, eveything falls into place: strong melodies, the virtuoso juxtaposition of guitar and keyboards to create extraordinary rhythmic palettes (a Saga trademark), wonderful overall compositions with lots of twists and turns.

And then things went belly-up again. "The Security of Illusion" followed in 1993. Not a bad album, all things considering, but its major claim to respectability is that it isn't as bad as "Steel Umbrellas" (1994), which is negligible.

Pining, perhaps, for a more aloof status, Saga went totally haywire in 1995, releasing "Generation 13". Now, from the start they had flirted with the idea of "concepts" (the first albums each contained one or more "chapters" of an ongoing story), but "G 13" proved to be a real concept album, and boy, was it ugly! It takes an enormous amount of thought, creativity and, indeed, intelligence to successfully compose an entire album of compositionally and thematically interconnected music (Genesis mananged it, Yes didn't; Jethro Tull did it twice, Gentle Giant never came close) and the fact of the matter is, Saga's attempt is simply dreadful.

After another negligible album ("The Pleasure & the Pain", 1997)they went off again. Exuent omnes.

Until 1999. Until "Full Circle". Suddenly, Saga are back. Again. And they're back with a vengeance. Not perhaps as sharp as on "Beginner's Guide", nor perhaps as ethereal as on "Silent Knight", this is nevertheless an extremely good and extremely welcome album.

Like, say, Gentle Giant, Saga have, throughout the years, created their own particular and unique brand of music. And here it is again, cast in strong melodies and excellent - indeed, unique - musicianship.

It's been a long time since I've heard the old Saga. Sure they never made a bad album (with the possible exception of "Wildest Dreams") but the last time I heard the old Saga was on the album "The Beginner's Guide To Throwing Shapes". With this album Saga finally says "to hell with it, we're going to make music WE like for a change". Saga come together and blend their talents instrumentally and make compositions instead of little pop diddies.I just got it today and listened to it twice but I already know it's my third favorite Saga album, right after "Worlds Apart" and "Behaviour".With this album Saga returns to the "chapters" concept last seen on "Worlds Apart" and they intent to continue until chapter 18. This is classic Saga and every song is a winner. The only thing I can find wrong with the album is that it rocks all the way through, and most Saga fans know that Saga ends an album not with a whimper but a bang and this one doesn't. The song that ends the album is not a rocker but it is an awesome song. I just think that all the way through the album the songs build until you think it's going to explode like "Worlds Apart" did and this doesn't, but you won't be disappointed. The one thing Saga does on this album to their advantage is they utilize their strengths. Jim Gilmour has a good voice but it was never used to it's fullest extent. Michael Sadler is still the lead singer but on most of the songs they trade off on vocals, each singing the part of the song in a complimentary way. Unfortunately this album probably won't be a mainstream success but any Saga fan should be rapturous with their return to greatness. ` Buy this album and tell all your friends. Saga is already writing the music for their next album and after this album I'm anxious for it.

I wouldn't say it is one of their greatest albums, but it is definitely a good addition. I am a long time fan that appreciates their style as it has continued to mature over the years. They still have the strong lead vocals of Michael Sadler and the great guitar stylings of Ian Crichton amoung others. If you are trying to decide on a recent release to reacquaint yourself with Saga, I would get House of Cards instead. Worth a listen or two.

Cheers

With "Full Circle," the talented Saga returns to the type of music that made them one of the most innovative bands of the eighties. Lead singer Michael Sadler and additional vocalist Jim Gilmour do some great trade-offs and punctuate their vocals with gusto. The addition of a children's choir is something you'd never expect on a Saga song, but they do it on "Follow Me," and it's a delightful surprise. Another great song reminiscent of their earlier efforts is "Time Bomb." It starts off with a bang and ends with an abrupt crescendo. The single, "The One" is a good tune, as well. The album's only flaw and it's a minor one, is that there is some repetition in the tempos and song composition, but the guys still know how to do exciting synthesizer and guitar breaks, and never let the energy level sag, even on the slower tunes. All in all, a refreshing collection. I'll forgive them now for the atrocious "Generation 13."

few albums are as appropiately titled as this!Full Circle is indeed Saga at its best,returning to its roots musically.Don't wait for US release; order it now! You won't be disappointed!

This CD is unlike any other Saga CD. It doesn't have much of the familiar synchronized guitar/keyboard runs up and down the scale none-the-less, but it is defintely Saga through and through. Yet, they have taken the plunge into more heavy rock with slower tempos.

Full Circle is musically very sophisticated and aptly titled. The recording, engineering and mixing quality is probably the best I've heard from Saga bar none. Again, the songs are slower in tempo, but the musical craftsmanship is definately equal to that of Generation 13. In fact, one of the songs even has the voice of 'Sam' from Generation 13 (I'll let you discover it yourself. :) They've delved off into the deeper end of hard rock with this CD.

You will appreciate this CD even if you are not a Saga fan. If you appreciate well written, played and composed hard rock, this CD will not disappoint you. I would say this is more like rock from the past, but it isn't. I mean, in one way it is. Full Circle is, in reality, full classic rock without being of that age and time. On the other hand, it is up-to-date with current recording and sound quality. It is RARE that a CD of this quality and musicianship is released in today's muck and garbage being churned out by the record labels.

If you are a classic rock fan at all, this CD is not to be missed. I haven't found a song on this CD I haven't liked. I have to agree with members of the band when they said they thought this was the best CD they have released yet. It took me a few plays to get into the CD because I came in with preconceived notions of what I expected of Saga. But, when I let those notions go and opened up to the musical quality, it is easily one of their best releases yet. I'd say that Generation 13 is, in its own way, equally as good, but different. Generation 13 is one of the best rock opera/themed CDs in years and musically is great (in a different way, but still Saga, way). Full Circle shows exactly what Saga is capable of doing in a classic rock approach. This just shows exactly how musically diverse this band can be and still make it work for them successfully.

Hands down one of the best CDs I've heard since Generation 13 (this includes comparisons with other bands even though Gen 13 is also a Saga release)... i.e., it knocked my socks off.

Sound quality: 5 stars
Music composition: 5 stars
Mixing and Recording quality: 5 stars

I bought this CD a few years ago and I have to say that I was a little hesitant...(about the price), but boy was I shocked! this was as good, if not better than "World's Apart" they're best recorded, well rounded session musically. I loved it! They still sound like no one else in the buisness, how refreshing. I can't listen to the mindless unoriginal artists (if you can call them that) clotting the airwaves today, most can't write a song, play an instrument, let alone sing it. Bravo! Saga... keep up the good work, somebody has to.

One of the joys I'm having wih the purchase of my new iMac is exploring the internet. I can't believe all the discoveries I've made regarding new releases from my favorites bands. This album is exceptional - with a definite flavor of their earlier material. Songs like "Uncle Albert's Eyes" (with an incredible dueling guitar/keyboard solo) and "Don't Say Goodbye" will drive Saga fans into a frenzy. Buy it now.

A very solid album overall, with very few weak spots, and a few A-1 tracks (Not This Way, Remember When, Uncle Albert's Eyes, Don't Say Goodbye). A couple of great ballads - Follow Me (beautiful moog solo a la Tony Banks) and Goodbye, a very unusual song but works well. The Genesis influence comes through in several places, particularly the opener, Remember When, a true neo-prog anthem. Time Bomb is pretty good, with nice key changes, a burning guitar solo and rolling reggae-like chords. Night to Remember is a very dramatic, heavily orchestrated track, with those little guitar/keyboard/drum runs that define the Saga sound. Many people are saying that it's Saga's return to form, and I can see what they mean. All the drama and excitement is back, and that big melodic sound Saga is known and loved for is back also, enhanced by the crunchier new guitar sound. Excellent songwriting with the exception of a couple tracks (Home is pretty lousy) and the old fans will certainly appreciate the abundance of very intricate instrumental passages with guitar, keyboard and electronic drums playing tight simultaneous runs. Guitar solos are amazingly technical and make me think that Ian Chrighton may just be the most under-rated guitar player in rock, compared to his enormous talent and skill. Production is also excellent, adding lots of atmosphere. One of the top neo-prog albums ever, alsmost transcending the category, which is the case with many Saga albums.

Welcome to Jurassic Park. The 80's dinosaurs still roam the Earth. Yes, this is the Saga from the 80's. The same "one-hit wonder" that brought you "On The Loose" from their 1981 "Worlds Apart" record. They really only had the one hit with "On The Loose", but the record really is worthy of much more. So, picking up this release, fresh from 2003, what am I expecting to hear? Better yet, what am I hoping to hear? Well, honestly, instead of expecting to hear a "has been" band trying to fit in to the mass market sound, I thought I would hear a band that sticks to what they did best in the 80's, and that's good hook-laden power pop. Lo and behold, they've done just that, they present their 80's pop forte with a bright "throw back" element. If you are a fan of this band, or its' early 80's rock sound, you will enjoy this record.

Let me start by saying that I love 80's radio rock. I mean all of it, ...even the Culture Club stuff. Now, not believing my own honesty and candor, I must say that the Saga-type bands of the 80's were always my favorites. Their was an edge, a passion, to what they were saying and playing. Most of the early 80's stuff was just silly fun, and we all loved it. Saga actually had a purpose, and a talent that was unique for their genre; which, sadly, may be the reason for only the one hit, ...they weren't enough "fun". So, is this a typical Saga record? Oh yeah.
When the first track lashes out at you, you are instantly transported back to 1981. With a sound very reminiscent of "On The Loose" and songs like it, "Remember When (Chapter 9)" is the genuine article. Solid vocals, simple structure to the song writing, and a sharp production combine for a successful opening track. The record continues the excellent pace through the first 4 tracks. The second track on the record, "The One", is as good as anything out there. A great song all around. The third track slows the tempo a bit, but showcases the arranging talent of the band. "Follow Me" incorporates a boys choir that sings the catchy chorus, and the song turns into somewhat of a lullaby. It's a really interesting pop song. When the record starts to slip, in my opinion, is at the sixth track entitled "Don't Say Goodbye". I double checked the cover on the CD when I heard this Queensryche track. This is almost worthy of a lawsuit, folks. The political newscast in the background to start the tune, the bass line, the vocal accenting on lyrics like "Feel the dragon's breath under your feet"; it is all Queensryche, and it's blatantly obvious. Not a terrible song, just not a Saga song. The album re-energizes with the sleek "Time Bomb". A rocker with plenty of power and style. Now, here is where the record takes a dive. "Not This Way (Chapter 10)" has a wealth of potential, and teases the idea of being structurally sound, but it never reaches its' full bloom. With a very elegant and catchy chorus, a lame feedback-driven guitar part slows the song too much, and ringing in at over 5 minutes, makes it agonizing. The next track, "A Night To Remember", seems to be a run-on also. With a lot of stylish and likeable elements, it is a song that I yearn to appreciate; but, at 5:44, it seems to wear out its welcome at about 4:30. That one extra minute seems to be a rehashing of the previous 4:30. It's a bit tedious. And then the cherry on top. "Goodbye" feels, once again, like a Queensryche inspired track. A vocal showcase that is meant for a masterful vocal virtuoso like Queensryche's Geoff Tate, not Saga's Michael Sadler. He doesn't make a fool of himself, he just does not deliver that chill down your spine as a singer of Geoff Tate's caliber would. He wrote this song to send a chill, that's quite obvious; but the only chill I got was from my drafty office window.

So,....what do I think of this record, right? I really enjoy the first half, plus a few more. I think there are 3-5 inferior songs. Oh, what to do? Well, considering their are 10 tracks on the record....and I can confidently say that 5 of them are winners....then let's go to the middle of the road.

OVERALL RATING: 5 (1-10 scale)
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