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Saga – Images at Twilight

Steamhammer – 1980

In 1980, one of the true underrated bands of our time, Saga, released their second album Images at Twilight. For those who don’t know, Saga is a progressive band from Canada who never really has gotten the attention they truly deserve. The band has strong musicality to go with melody and has written songs that will definitely stick with you.

"It’s Time (Chapter Three)" – The keyboard tonality is a bit on the lite side but the mix allows you hear the entire music clearly. The keys trumpet the song forward until Ian Crichton plays a solo that begins much like a keyboard. Ian Crichton is certainly one of the strongest aspects of the band.

I thought of Styx with "See Them Smile" because of the keyboard patterns and computerized vocals. Saga captures a sound that Styx later made popular with "Mr. Roboto." Ian Crichton mechanizes his energetic, syncopated guitar.

The feel of a tropical island is captured in "Slow Motion" exotic keyboards and bass line. The lead vocals dance around if someone was leading a party on a beach while people eat and dance until their hearts are content.

"You’re Not Alone" features computerized keyboard sounds and frantic soft percussion. The beat is somewhat fast and you’ll be surprised that you will unintentionally join the festive groove. Ian Crichton does another cool guitar solo that blends in with the style of the keys.

Steve Negus switches time with his drums in "Take It Or Leave It." Piano and soft flute-like keys start "Images (Chapter One)" which is a story like song. The music and vocals are performed in such a way that it will make you think of standing in a soft rain. This track is kind of a mini-epic of progressive parts equally distributed between all the instruments.

Ian Crichton and the assorted keyboards work together to steer "Hot To Cold" in a cool flowing direction. It’s time I finally said something about the vocals of Michael Sadler. He has a soft voice that is unmistakably his own. I’ve never heard anyone seen remotely like him and he gives Saga an identity.

"Mouse In A Maze" is dramatic and theatrical. Michael Sadler has fun with the vocals and Ian Crichton gives the track strength with potent guitar backing. This is one of the best tracks off this album. The lead and back vocals work in tandem to wrap up an album that establishes Saga as a real contender in the progressive arena of bands and a promise for a the future.

www.saga-world.com

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