Customer Reviews

The Security of Illusion

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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'.

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.

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.

I have purchased all the remastered cds in the Saga catalog so far and am reviewing all. I decided to pass on IN TRANSIT as it was a very short live album. Security of Illusion is a great album for Saga. Better than Wildest Dreams, Behavior and Throwing Shapes (not that they are bad, I own them all). The Remastering is good, but the original was good. You get the acoustic version of Security of Illusion as a bonus track but so far no saga cd has included as a bonus track GOTTA LOVE IT, SOLSBURY HILL, or WALKING ON THIN ICE. It will be a crime if the last few remasters don't include these songs. The inner art is great but whoever does the art for the cover is a slacker, they put a square black box around the cover art. I work with art and there is no excuse for this. My vote...Great album, if you don't need the acoustic version of Security of Illusion, then pass, but if you don't own this one, get it now!!

This Album Is...Amazing, Beyond Solid, Superior, High Standing, Shredding, Wonderful, Wicked, Beautiful and Shining.

This Album Basically Sums Up What Saga Is All About and Is Basically The Band Telling You "Hey We're Saga and This Is What We Do!!"

The Album Begins With A Track That Never Would Let Me Go After The Very First Listen, The Punch Packing "Mind Over Matter", Which Will Knock You In The Face Once It Begins and Holds You at The Edge Of Your Seat Till The Very Last Second Of This Truly Amazing Album.

Please Purchase This Under-Rated (in America) Gem...It Should Be Heard By Every Rocker, Melodic Rocker, Progressive Rock Lover Or Just Anyone Who Wants To Be in For A Good and Joyous and Musically Uplifting Ride.

You Won't Be Disappointed!