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25 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Marillion return with a quiet follow-up to Marbles, April 24, 2007
Marillion returns three years after their epic, widely lauded Marbles concept piece with another self-produced album. While no one seriously expects them to top such a feat, all ears are curious as to how they attempt to follow up what many now consider to be the unexpected peak of their 25 year career.
Marillion spent their career in the '80s carving out a niche in the resurrected prog movement of the period, aping much of the territory that Genesis, Yes, and Gentle Giant had already covered so well a decade before. By the end of the decade, things would change drastically with the departure of their lead singer, the poetically-gifted choke-throated Fish, who would be replaced by Steve Hogarth, who brought to the band a more traditional pop-rock style of singing - not to mention the sensibilities of such a singer.
Over the past two decades since Hogarth joined the band, Marillion has slowly shifted from a progressive band into what they are now: a pop-rock band doing very intelligent music now that happens to occasionally be conceptual in nature. This album, however, isn't, and I'm personally glad they opted for an album of songs rather than another big concept piece. Following the amazing two-disc Marbles with another big, heavy epic like that would have been a mistake - too much too soon. Instead, what we get is a lighter, airier Marillion, but no less engaging (aside from a couple of stumbles.)
Marillion have found their sound finally - what really started to take shape on 2001's Anaraknophobia, if a little roughly, they perfected with Marbles in 2004, they now continue here, and that's basically a good thing. While it makes for an album of no real surprises, it's simple, smart pop with a good band and an emotive vocalist.
Where Marillion let the listener down on Somewhere Else is where they simply try too hard - "Most Toys" where they attempt to rock out as hard as they can (and mostly flail about instead of hit the target) and "Last Century For Man," where they attempt a cautionary tale and only score with the infectious and beautiful chorus, but the song falls flat in the verses. It just isn't a very strong message song - some bands are better at delivering straight-up messages and others are better at hinting at them creatively. Marillion should stick to the latter.
For fans, Somewhere Else makes a lovely transition out of the emotional, intense, and dense Marbles. For newbies, Marbles is going to be the place to start - and then give Somewhere Else a try as it's easily one of their most focused and solid albums since 1995's Afraid Of Sunlight. Songs such as nearly epic "The Wound" and the contemplative "Thankyou Whoever You Are" should quickly find themselves on many Marillion fans most-played lists, but it's the charming acoustic closer "Faith" that could be a surprise for everyone - it's beautiful.
(Originally posted by me at LookoutForHope and Blogcritics)
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15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another Extraordinary Journey, April 11, 2007
Marillion's 14th studio album "Somewhere Else" is a promise well kept. As with Anoraknaphobia, Marbles, and others..I was originally a bit disappointed when I first heard sound clips for "Somewhere Else". Alas, any die hard Marillion fan knows that clips and first listens are absolutely meaningless. So like a good boy, I gave "Somewhere Else" many a listen before submitting my review...and the album is remarkable..further demonstrating Marillion's level of musical creativity, craftsmanship and genius. As with other Marillion albums, "Somewhere Else" takes us on a grand, emotional journey that guarantees us raw energy, unspeakable beauty, haunting passages, and even a few rough spots ('Most Toys' if you haven't already guessed). Highlights include the heavenly "Voice From the Past" ( an epic track that nearly had me in tears) and otherworldly title track "Somewhere Else". "No Such Thing" is a dreamy bit of psychedelia that shows how truly unique and creative Marillion is. "The Wound" is a haunting number that turns and winds in true Marillion fashion.. with more listenings it may end up my favorite track. The opener.."the Other Half" is emotionally intense with an absolutely beautiful atmospheric ending. The album ends with the beautiful, subtle, folky "faith"..an amazing track that is perfect for this album. So "Somewhere Else" can rightfully take its place as another Marillion masterwork...right there with "Marbles" and "Anorak"..with the boys all working in perfect harmony to create pure magic. "Somewhere Else" may not feel as polished as "Marbles" yet it is more complex, targeting deeper emotions as we got with "Afraid of Sunlight". If you are new to Marillion or a current fan..please, please, PLEASE give "Somewhere Else" a chance and listen to the songs all the way through....so that you can fully digest and appreciate the complexity, beauty, mystery and mastery of their music. Look out for album 15 next Spring...Life is wonderful!!!!
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good songs, little magic, June 6, 2007
On first listen, I really enjoyed Somewhere Else and thought it was the right kind of album for where they are now in their career. But it hasn't held up as well over time.
The major problem for me is that there's no real magic moment. Most Marillion albums have their flaws, but every one has had a gem of truly inspired music where the entire band takes flight. But here, the feel is very tempered throughout and nothing lifts off the ground. It's a sparse album, with lots of piano and simple guitar. The songs are very restrained. It seems that there are songs that have the potential for that classic Marillion emotional lift -- "Voice From the Past" and "The Wound" both come to mind -- but instead, the band decided to play it low-key.
The bright side of this, however, is that it's a very consistent album with some very good songs. "The Other Half" features some beautiful vocal harmonies and a driving 3/4 groove. "Thankyou Whoever You Are," "See It Like A Baby" and "Somewhere Else" are all good songs.
A big surprise to me is how uninspiring the lyrics are. "Last Century for Man" is truly cringe-worthy. I know Steve Hogarth is smarter than this, so I'm surprised he was so pedestrian with such a heavy topic. It winds up offering no insight or poetry into the world we live in. "Somewhere Else" starts well, but then wanders off. I don't know if Hogarth is trying to be intentionally cryptic, but I couldn't connect with any of the subject matter on this album.
Bottom line: A very solid and consistent album that I like to listen to. But I wish they had injected a little more life into the songs. 3 1/2 stars.
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