Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 02/01/2008
Run Time: 39:58
One of the most interesting aspects about
the Alan Parsons Project is the band's ability to forge a main theme with each of its songs, while at the same time sounding extremely sharp and polished. Much of this formula is used in
Ammonia Avenue, only this time the songs rise above
Parsons' overall message due to the sheer beauty of the lyrics partnered with the luster of the instruments. The album touches upon how the lines of communication between people are diminishing, and how we as a society grow more spiritually isolated and antisocial. But aside from the philosophical concepts prevalent in the lyrics, it is the music on this album that comes to the forefront. The enchanting saxophone of
Mel Collins on
"Don't Answer Me" adds to its lonely atmosphere, while the briskness of
Eric Woolfson's wording throughout
"Prime Time" makes it one of
the Project's best singles. On
"You Don't Believe," the seriousness of the lyrics works well with the song's energetic pace. The subtlety of the ballad comes to life on the elegant
"Since the Last Goodbye," which focuses on a failed attempt at a relationship. With
Ammonia Avenue, the sum of the parts is greater than the whole product, which can't be said for all of
the Alan Parsons Project's albums. Vocalists
Eric Woolfson,
Chris Rainbow,
Lenny Zakatek, and
Colin Blunstone equally shine, placing their talents above and beyond the album's main idea.
~Mike DeGagne, All Music Guide
;)
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