The Security of Illusion [Original recording remastered]

Saga | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (February 4, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording remastered
• Label: Steamhammer Us
• ASIN: B00006RYCG
• Also Available in: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #142,516 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SAGA at their 90's best!, October 4, 2007

By 

R. G. Deerbeck "Perfectionist" (Finland, Northern Europe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Security of Illusion (Audio CD)

The 1990's was a checkered decade for SAGA. From the smooth, commercial TV series soundtrack 'Steel Umbrellas' they went, via a concept album 'Generation 13', to their all-time low - a bad mixture of alternative metal and German electronica - 'Pleasure & the Pain'.

Concept albums divide people: I, for one, am not a great fan of them. Therefore, while not out to dismerit 'Generation 13', I personally find 90's SAGA in their finest form on 'Security of Illusion'. It took until 2001 and 'House of Cards' before they could equal 'Security'.

First, this was the first album since the 1985 disappointing 'Behaviour' when the classic "Silent Knight line-up" was once again together. In addition, they only had about a month to record this album. And oh boy, does this new-found energy, chemistry and pure joy of playing jump at the listener from the loudspeakers!!!

There is a lot of energy on this album. Ian Crichton's guitar has never sounded better, and Steve Negus beats the skins like he's been rejuvenated. Tracks 2 and 3 find no equal in SAGA's repertoire. Track 5, 'I'll Leave It in Your Hands' is a very "up" song. Alongside these energetic tracks there are two ballads, the title track and 'Alone Again Tonight', which would have been a smash hit, had it been recorded by a "name" artist like Eric Clapton.

In my ranking this album stands in the Top Five of SAGA, alongside 'Silent Knight', 'Worlds Apart', 'Heads or Tales' and 'House of Cards'.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars PERSONAL FAVORITE, October 9, 2005

By 

NEOPROG RAN (EL PASO TX) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Security of Illusion (Audio CD)

THIS CD IS A POWERFUL STATEMENT. I REALLY LIKE THE POWER AND GRACE ON THIS CD. THIS CD REALLY FEATURES THE BEST OF SAGA AND REVEALS THAT THEY ARE STILL FAITHFUL TO THEIR PROG ROOTS.

5.0 out of 5 stars Musical Euphoria, March 12, 2008

By 

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

This review is from: The Security of Illusion (Audio CD)

From the very first moment I listened to this album (in 1993) I was launched into a musical euphoria. Now, after enjoying the entire Saga collection I can say that "Security of Illusion" stands out as their finest release (IMO).

Everyone puts in an energetic, passionate performance. The consistency and balance of this album is a testament to the musicianship of each band member and the magical chemistry that is released when they love what they are doing and put their talents together.

Sadler's vocals are at their very best, Ian's guitar is as clean and melodic as you'll find on any disc, the bass lines are fabulous, the keyboards are crisp, deep, and complimentary, and finally the drums are simply outstanding and appropriate for the style of music that is uniquely - Saga.

Of my entire collection of Saga, this one is the one I just cannot live without.