Saga 28

Generation 13' is Saga's top achievement: after a not so impressive return to the music arena in the early 90s, with two albums that simply had some interesting moments, 'Generation 13' showed a band that decided to challenge itself massively…

This album earns without doubt five stars! "Full Circle" was a great record too, but "House Of Cards" got a bigger production and the more transparent songwriting…

Released in 1993, The Security of Illusion signaled a rebirth of sorts for Canadian prog rock popsters Saga, as earlier members Jim Gilmour (keyboards) and Steve Negus (drums) were welcomed back into the fold – for the first time since 1985's Behaviour…

Released in 1993, The Security of Illusion signaled a rebirth of sorts for Canadian prog rock popsters Saga, as earlier members Jim Gilmour (keyboards) and Steve Negus (drums) were welcomed back into the fold – for the first time since 1985's Behaviour. And as evidenced by the music, the result of the reunion returned the group straight back to their heady early-'80s period, especially on the downright vicious rockers "Mind Over Matter" and "Stand Up," as well as the percussive-heavy album closer, "Without You." Instead of being influenced by what was going on in the rock world circa this time period (here's a hint…well, whatever, nevermind), Saga stick to their guns on The Security of Illusion, and come up with a release that nearly managed to out-rock their Canadian competitor at the time, Rush.

While Saga began as a progressive rock band, increasing pop sensibilities put the group in a league with bands like the Fixx in the early '80s. This album, which follows the excellent Worlds Apart, is nearly as good as its predecessor; Michael Sadler's commanding voice leads the way while the rest of the band punches up the fairly succinctly written songs with loads of texture and occasional instrumental fireworks. The guitar/keyboard interplay between Jim Gilmour and Ian Crichton alone is enough to get music geeks salivating. Producer Rupert Hine gives the material just enough production sheen to make it sizzle on the airwaves ("The Flyer" was a minor radio hit). Equally enjoyable for pop fans and prog rock fans, this unfortunately was Saga's last great record.

As the progressive rock is dramatically absent around 1980, Saga still continues to produce excellent modern progressive rock: they still show the way that leads to an avant-garde progressive rock full of modern keyboards. Saga's style here consists in very structured and melodic arrangements made of delightful modern keyboards and rather hard rock electric guitars.
Compared to the Saga's first album, the keyboards on "Images at twilight" sound a bit more modern, futuristic and anthemic. With 2-3 keyboardists in the band, one has to have great expectations, and actually the listener should not be disappointed regarding the keyboards refinement and pertinence. Saga mostly reached his typical modern sound and style here…

While Saga began as a progressive rock band, increasing pop sensibilities put the group in a league with bands like the Fixx in the early '80s. This album, which follows the excellent Worlds Apart, is nearly as good as its predecessor; Michael Sadler's commanding voice leads the way while the rest of the band punches up the fairly succinctly written songs with loads of texture and occasional instrumental fireworks…

This is SAGA's 15th studio album, released in 2003. "Marathon", the title track was used to open most of the bands concerts in 2003. Along with the ambitious Generation 13, Marathon is one of Saga's most mature albums to date and although it does not contain any 'hit' songs per se (if you exclude the ballad "The Blind Side of Your Heart"), its depth assures it a very long shelf life. The musicianship on it is impeccable and so is the production. A fine album indeed.