Rick Wakeman - (2002) Songs of Middle Earth

Rick Wakeman - (2002) SONGS OF MIDDLE EARTH

Studio Album, released in 2002

Aonther good album by this keyboard wizard, this album was released in 2002 and it supposes to be an album with music inspired in The Lord of the Rings, all the songs have titles reminiscent to the books (The Shire, Helms Deep, Rohan , etc).

All the music here is instrumental, in fact all the music was done by Wakeman because it only has loots of keyboards, synthesizers and pianos. This album is a mix of new age music and classical music, which make it very symphonic in some ways. I read a review of Zitro, he said that the music here are pretty similar to songs from "Heritage Suite" and "Seven Wonders", it could be true, but we know that Rick has made lots of albums, and each one has his own style and sound, i m agreed in some way because with lots of album in a solo career, is obvious that some songs are similar, but not the same, and i think this album has his own style which mixes great atmospheric synths with a strong sound in some songs, but with a soft sound in others, and specially when you feel that another keyboard solo is coming, he changed that for a beautiful piano work it has some poppish sound in songs like Helms Deep for example, but your mind will replace that with great songs like the opening track " The Shire" it is great, with good changes and a powerful sound. This is not at the same style of the "Aspirant Trilogy", that is completely new age, this havs some new ages and ambient passages too, but here we can listen to great keyboard solos and a strong symphonic influence.

I have seen ultimately that Rick`s music and keyboard playing has caused controversial points of view, i dont have nothing to say , only repeat my love for this moster of progressive rock, and recommend this album, because i like it and i think it is good.
Track Listings

1. The Shire (9:39)
2. The Old Forest (6:30)
3. Rivendell (2:40)
4. The Great River (5:11)
5. Lothlorien (4:57)
6. The Misty Mountains (6:25)
7. Helms Deep (5:34)
8. Rohan (5:03)
9. Minas Truth (11:13)
10. The Grey Havens (4:06)

Total Time: 61:18

Line-up/Musicians:
- Rick Wakeman / keyboards