And so XXX comes without any red carpets, anticipated by the anthemic choruses of the single "Face on the Bridge". The surprise" Turns out that the single is far from the album's strongest point. Accompanied by one of Roger Dean's best artworks, XXX starts very strongly with the "progressive pop rock" of "Tomorrow the World", boasting very confident vocals and surprisingly intense guitar soloing, with airy instrumental passages that charge the song with dynamics and atmosphere. The best part is that this is not a fluke! Though far from a straight progressive rock work (detractors beware), XXX can count on being cohesive and coherent. The lengthy "No Religion" focuses on the more rocking and proggy side of the sphere, while "Al Gatto Nero" offers an infectious pop rock affair where Carl Palmer doesn't forget to throw in a little drum solo for good measure.
The album succeeds even in its mellower moments. Especially notable are the moving "Bury Me in Willow" sustained by John Wetton's groovy bass and impassioned vocal delivery, then rounded up by Geoff Downes' keyboard work; and the symphony-tinged closer "Ghost of a Chance", in which Steve Howe delivers emotive guitar playing putting the goodness of his tone in full display. Worthy of mention is also the bonus track "Reno (Silver and Gold)", which meandering passages give off a watery atmosphere, making it perhaps a bit too interesting for being relegated in the bonuses, especially considering that it's inserted before the closing song (positively) affecting the album's flow.
Despite the presence of lesser moments, XXX is a strong AOR offer backed by interesting twists and unique atmosphere, which is obviously sustained to a degree by the splendid artwork but is ultimately created by effective and complementary playing from all members, as shown in the intriguing opening of "Faithful". In a discography filled with easy to criticize material, XXX is a breath of fresh air that can stand right next to the lauded debut album, and arguably on an even higher plane. The convinced detractors aren't likely to change their minds, especially not after the release of the recent Gravitas. But those who were always on the fence may be surprised by the integrity the band displayed in their 2012 fatigue.
Tracklist for XXX:
1. Tomorrow the World
2. Bury Me in Willow
3. No Religion
4. Faithful
5. I Know How You Feel
6. Face on the Bridge
7. Al Gatto Hero
8. Judas
9. Reno (Silver and Gold) [Bonus Track]
10. Ghost of a Chance
11. I Know How You Feel (Midnight Mix) [Bonus Track]
12. Faithful (Orchestral Version) [Japanese Bonus Track]
The album succeeds even in its mellower moments. Especially notable are the moving "Bury Me in Willow" sustained by John Wetton's groovy bass and impassioned vocal delivery, then rounded up by Geoff Downes' keyboard work; and the symphony-tinged closer "Ghost of a Chance", in which Steve Howe delivers emotive guitar playing putting the goodness of his tone in full display. Worthy of mention is also the bonus track "Reno (Silver and Gold)", which meandering passages give off a watery atmosphere, making it perhaps a bit too interesting for being relegated in the bonuses, especially considering that it's inserted before the closing song (positively) affecting the album's flow.
Despite the presence of lesser moments, XXX is a strong AOR offer backed by interesting twists and unique atmosphere, which is obviously sustained to a degree by the splendid artwork but is ultimately created by effective and complementary playing from all members, as shown in the intriguing opening of "Faithful". In a discography filled with easy to criticize material, XXX is a breath of fresh air that can stand right next to the lauded debut album, and arguably on an even higher plane. The convinced detractors aren't likely to change their minds, especially not after the release of the recent Gravitas. But those who were always on the fence may be surprised by the integrity the band displayed in their 2012 fatigue.
Tracklist for XXX:
1. Tomorrow the World
2. Bury Me in Willow
3. No Religion
4. Faithful
5. I Know How You Feel
6. Face on the Bridge
7. Al Gatto Hero
8. Judas
9. Reno (Silver and Gold) [Bonus Track]
10. Ghost of a Chance
11. I Know How You Feel (Midnight Mix) [Bonus Track]
12. Faithful (Orchestral Version) [Japanese Bonus Track]
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