The Human Condition

Saga | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 19, 2009)
• Original Release Date: 2009
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Inside Out Music
• ASIN: B001TKK3DE
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,008 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

On 'The Human Condition', SAGA sets another musical milestone in their more than 30 year band history. A unique mix of elements from the genres of melodic rock, pop and prog. Replacing former singer Michael Sadler, Rob Moratti´s voice is a perfect addition and creative input to the classic sound of the band. SAGA is well prepared for a long lasting future.

The cover artwork was created by highly respected Hungarian artist Balasz Papay, who was also responsible for the cover art of the SAGA album 'Trust'.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Saga Evolves, May 21, 2009

By 

Prog-Rev-Elation "ProgRevElation" (ALLover) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Human Condition (Audio CD)

Saga has moved on from Michael Sadler's influence and presence as a band member. I'm sure that most Saga fans have been curious as to how the adventure of a new singer, and new direction would turn out. If you were only to hear the opening instrumental, which is very good, you would feel that things have changed a little bit, but this is still Saga.

But, after you pass that first musical piece, which could have fit nicely on 10,000 days - if that disc didn't already have a better instrumental - which it does, the change in sound and direction is nothing short of a complete evolution. Saga is now a totally different band. There is not a slight departure from the recognizable Saga signature sound, or even a strong departure, but, a total, and almost complete departure.

This change may result in the discouragement of a large percentage of fans. It certainly has been difficult for me.

That is not to say that the album is without merit, it's just not the Saga we have known for the last 30 years. If the band was trying to make a complete break from the past sound, they certainly accomplished it.

But, like I said, the album does have merit. The new singer is definitely a plus. He has a distinctive and quality voice. His vocal ability fits well with the new sound of the band. That sound is a heavier, more guitar oriented sound. The musicianship is stellar, melodies are enjoyable/memorable.

Despite my criticism, I think this is an excellent album. Because this band has taken such a different direction away from the Saga sound, they probably ought to consider changing their name. If this review sounds a bit ambiguous - well, maybe it's my "Human Condition."

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Human Condition is a FILLER-FREE, Top Notch Sonic Product!, May 24, 2009

By 

Ken Tamayo "Kenneth Tamayo" (San Juan, PR USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Human Condition (Audio CD)

Like other fans, I was curious yet apprehensive as to Saga's change in front man. This record (Album of the Year, in my opinion) proves the decision to bring Rob Moratti into Saga was a wise one... and the man pulls a Tour de Force in The Human Condition.

Moratti has clear diction, a wide sonic register, excellent intonation, youth and with it a new perspective, and even more importantly a true gift for melody (you will be re-playing these songs). No doubt, he is a great singer. On the negative side, he can be at times a bit nasal-sounding, his vibrato is not only rather mundane (too quick/nervous sounding) but used too frequently... and doesn't have an iconic/instantly recognizable/distinct timbre but the latter may actually work in favor of this band in getting some airplay.

"Avalon" is an instant classic and a singer's climb uphill yet Moratti delivers effortlessly - HE is clearly THE song in this case.

"Now Is Now" is a gorgeous song and it is full of radio potential. Gilmour pulls a lightning fast sequence which reminds you this is SAGA. Moratti's is in top form and his melodic hooks are true assets to the song. "Now Is Now" features Ian's best guitar solo of the album which begins somewhat uncharacteristic (seems inspired by some of Alex Lifeson's work in that Holy Trinity called RUSH) and later shifts into a blend of rapid muted/pizzicato riffs and over-the-top bends which are a Crichton trademark.

The last minute and a half of "Hands of Time" is both impressive and soul foul - STUNNING delivery from Moratti. Ian's brief solos are tasteful and atmospheric.

"Step Inside" is a brilliantly produced piece with two main inter-playing motifs both laced with a heavy Dream Theater-type character. Moratti offers an interesting and haunting descending hook which often prompts for replay.

"You Look Good To Me" is a song only Saga could pull off: Encapsulated within the framework of a classic sing-along chorus that could remind you of the day when David Lee Roth sung "Jump" in Van Halen or "Just a Gigolo". - at the 3+ minutes mark, absolutely unexpected - mesmerizing/classic SAGA sounds take over like the more progressive parts in "Ice Nice" (from Saga's own debut album). The arrangement is SHEER GENIUS... BRILLIANT!!!!! Progressive Rock Saga-styled at its best. Bass guitar (a bit low on the mix) and drums provide a tasteful and playful structure here.

"A Number With A Name" could have easily made it to any Saga album from "Full Circle" onwards with two great twists: Gilmour's chromatic riff around the 3:00 mark (reminds one of some of the work of Keith Emerson) works great here and Ian's solo is spectacular.

"Let It Go" - Often reminiscent of Dream Theater while it moves forward like a freight train yet unmistakably SAGA.

"Crown of Thorns" - has the best drum part of the album, too bad it is intermittent and the drummer sometimes goes to a very basic rhythm keeping function which is - in my opinion - one of the ever-present weaknesses of this epic band. Why are one the best rock guitar players (Ian) and one of the best keyboard players (Gilmour) perennially accompanied by ordinary drum sections? In any event, the rhythm section in "Crown of Thorns" is right on; it is amplifying the excitement brought upon by the resident virtuosos - which is what the music calls for: full participation rather than mere metronomic support.

Finally, no review of this GREAT ALBUM would be fair without offering recognition to the album's cover art, which is absolutely gorgeous; true ART... too bad it cannot be appreciated here with a low-resolution .JPG

I am really looking forward to a SAGA concert here in Puerto Rico in support of this great album and if Michael Sadler can be persuaded to sing a few of the classic songs even better. I suspect many in the public will be teary-eyed in either case.

In the meantime: GET THIS ALBUM (along with the last few Saga albums: Trust, Network and 10,000 days which are also great).

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great new sound, you'll play this one a lot, June 9, 2009

By 

K. Brown (Denver, CO United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Human Condition (Audio CD)

I am not a die hard Saga fan. Like so many other people (my age) I loved the Worlds Apart album but I've been up and down through the intervening years with my enthusiasm. Then I heard that Michael Sadler was leaving the band and I wondered if Saga would soldier on without him. I'm here to tell you that they are not soldiering on at all. This new album rocks and not just one or two tracks either. The whole album is great with a very fresh sound, hard rocking, and great production. After my first listen I started wondering when they would make another one. Now that's high praise. Go to their web site sagaontour.ca and listen to a few of the new tracks. I bet you will need to buy the album within just a few minutes. Great job Saga. I hope you will get to tour the lower 48!