Released by: Frontiers Records
Release Date: Out Now!!!
Genre: Rock
Links: http://alanparsons.com/
Line Up:
Guitars: Steve Hackett (on *), Jeff Kollmann, Dan Tracey, Tony Rosacci, Ian Bairnson (solo on §), Alan Parsons
Synth, Keyboards: Andy Ellis, Tom Brooks, Dan Tracey, Alan Parsons
Piano: Pat Caddick, Angelo Pizzaro
Bass: Nathan East (on *), Guy Erez, Jeff Peterson
Drums: Vinnie Colaiuta (on *), Danny Thompson, Carl Sorensen
Sax: Todd Cooper
Cello: Michael Fitzpatrick
Orchestral Arrangements Tom Brooks / Strings Conducted By Alan Parsons Except On * Tom Brooks
Orchestra The Cmg Music Recording Orchestra Of Hollywood
Percussion Alan Parsons
Ukulele Jake Shimabukuro
Trombones Oscar Utterström
Trumpets Vinnie Ciesielski
Tracklist:
1. The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Instrumental)*
2. Miracle (Lead Vocal: Jason Mraz)
3. As Lights Fall (Lead Vocal: Alan Parsons)
4. One Note Symphony (Lead Vocal: Todd Cooper)
5. Sometimes (Lead Vocal: Lou Gramm)
6. Soirée Fantastique (Lead Vocal: Todd Cooper, Alan Parsons)
7. Fly To Me (Lead Vocal: Mark Mikel)
8. Requiem (Lead Vocal: Todd Cooper)
9. Beyond The Years Of Glory (Lead Vocal: Pj Olsson)§
10. The Limelight Fades Away (Lead Vocal: Jordan Huffman)
11. I Can’t Get There From Here (Lead Vocal: Jared Mahone)§ Featured In Motion Picture “5-25-77”
Is the world ready for a new Alan Parson album? Does the world WANT a new Alan Parsons album? The legendary producer and master of what I call Pracht (Prog Rock meets Yacht Rock) with the etched in stone classic song “Eye In the Sky” is certainly wondering the answers to both questions. I have always loved that track, and despite that love, I’ve only passingly checked out some of his other material (what I have heard I enjoy very much.) Needless to say, when I saw the promo come into my vision I was shocked. The last thing he released was in 2004, an electronica exploration entitled A Valid Path. I must admit, I was terribly curious to hear what the man was up to these days so I gave The Secret a few spins, and this is what I have to say about it.
It’s pretty good. It’s obviously a concept exploring one of Parsons’ passions, magic. It doesn’t just feel like a concept album; it actually sounds like a musical with the big orchestrations and guest singers performing throughout. It gave it a grand scope sonically. With the voices of Jason Mraz, Lou Gramm, and Todd Cooper just to name a few it flowed just like a big musical spectacle. I could even envision what it might look like. It made listening to it kind of fun (if you hate musicals, pass on it.) There was some pretty sweet guitar playing on here which always appeals to me (I mean, c’mon, Steve Hackett appears on a track.) My biggest qualm with the album was the lyrics were kind of cheesy and too simplistic, but for me, that’s not a deal breaker.
If you enjoy Alan Parsons, or mellow Prog, or Soft Rock, or hell even musicals, you will enjoy this album. If you’re a none of the above types of person move along, there’s nothing to see here. I didn’t realize I wanted a new Alan Parsons album until he gifted us The Secret. It’s a really lovely album with some pretty incredible performances by some very talented people. It is even somewhat reminiscent of “Eye In the Sky” in places so if you’re more into that period this might be cool for you
Written by: Chris Martin
Ratings: 8/10
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