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With "Clear", Saga front man Michael Sadler has delivered
a powerful album of dynamic, high quality, pop-rock. Although
the polished and commercial American sound tends to wash over
these English ears after a while, there are enough interesting
musical touches to make this a good, often excellent, listen.
The album is tastefully packaged and the overall feel is of
a strong and life-affirming personal statement from Michael.
***
The production from Thomas Schmitt-Zijnen is first rate
as is the musicianship from Sadler's band, all established
pros in their own right. Not surprisingly for a man who has
had a lengthy career fronting rock giants Saga, Michael's
voice is excellent throughout. Despite the sometimes painful
soul-searching lyrics, there is an overall upbeat vibe running
through "Clear". Possible reference points for the (very eighties)
sound could be In Excess, The Fixx, Mister Mister and of course
Saga. There are occasional prog and world music touches with
a flavour of Peter Gabriel or Steve Hackett and these prevent
the songs from sliding into too much of a bland pop formula.
A gospel chorus is used to great effect on "Too Much
Time On My Hands", with the rather self-pitying lyric delivered
in ecstatically joyful tones! A ridiculously catchy chorus
and one of the best songs on the album. The chorus of "One
Heart" is another one that sticks in your head whether you
want it to or not, and this song also includes probably the
best guitar solo on the album from Marcus Deml. "Surrender
Your Heart" is another standout track that has a touch of
eighties Rush about it. ***
"Can't Let Go" is an emotional ballad with some tasteful
acoustic guitar and subtle string arrangements. Some of the
tracks such as the opening "Who's Sorry Now" and "I'm Not
The Enemy" use a sequenced keyboard arpeggio to drive the
pace along nicely. One or two tracks such as "In The Name
Of Love" however, are nice enough but have nothing to make
them stand out from a thousand other comforting "adult pop"
tunes. ***
The album finishes on an optimistic note with the title
track, guitars crashing all around as Michael states his position.
"All the walls have fallen, now that I'm finally clear, I
finally found a way to face my fears, yes I'm finally clear".
Nice one. ***
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