On January 28, 2011 it was officially announced that Michael Sadler had returned as the lead vocalist of Saga and that there were plans for the recording of a brand-new studio album. That one was originally expected in the fall of last year, but that was obviously a bit too optimistic. This February drummer Brian Doerner left the band, but the good news is that the new album, called “20/20”, is now finally ready for release, through earMUSIC on July 6. Although “The Human Condition”, the only Saga studio album which featured Rob Moratti on vocals, wasn’t a bad album, it’s obvious that Saga wasn’t the same band as before. Compare it with Van Halen ft. Gary Cherone instead of David Lee Roth and you’ll understand what I mean. Anyway, I’ve got a promo copy of “20/20” from the band’s label in advance and I have to say that it shows the band in top-notch form (once) again. The album title refers to the CD being Saga’s 20th, but in addition it’s also a good luck wish to Jim Gilmour, who had to undergo an eye operation during the latest European tour (and 20/20 stands for the perfect eyesight). Counting 10 brand-new tracks, that typical Saga sound and feel is here again from start to finish and I’m pretty confident that the many fans of the band will leap for joy with the end result. Although the whole album is a pleasure listening to, for the moment I would prefer the ultra-catchy “Anywhere You Wanna Go” and the wonderful ballad “Lost For Words” as my favourite tracks.
Michael Sadler on his return to the band: “One thing that we agreed on was that, if and when I ever were to return, it would have to feel like it was exactly the right thing to do and exactly the right time to do it!” I can only add that his return to the fold was the right decision. FYI, the album comes as a standard CD and as a special digipak edition, containing the CD plus a bonus DVD featuring footage of the recording sessions. Following the new release, the band will tour in Canada, the US, Europe and South America. Welcome back, Michael! (CL)
 

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snoe (on 25/02/13) Saga without Michael Sadler is like peanuts without salt. It's OK, but it just isn't as good as WITH the added salt. I'm not a big Rob Moratti fan, so that didn't help much either. A new and improved Saga, but with the old ingredients. The quality on this album is great, but all songs need some time to mature. A thinking man's band, so to speak. Unfortunately not all songs mature quite well. Which makes it not as good as I hoped with the return of Michael Sadler.   LeRoux (on 20/09/12) yep their back, their old fans will like this and will rave on, for the remainder of the world but don't expect anything outstanding when you spin this again fav tracks : ellery   HIBA (on 5/09/12) Some albums need time to grow on you, other one's take you by surprise. Saga has been a band, for me that is, that always manages to give a bit of both. A great come back to form, in particular for singer Michael Sadler. What a unique voice this man has !   rkblues (on 31/08/12) Great CD...with Sadler back and a slightly different but awesome new sound...Saga are back on top. Ian Crichton rocks...missed his smoking solos...glad to have the band back and firing on all cylinders.   Nirre (on 22/08/12) There back, this is Saga at there best.   the umpire (on 17/07/12) Like Wolf 359 I liked the 'Human Condition' album with Rob Moratti but it wasn't the Saga we know and love, whereas 20:20 is the band back on form. Does it trump the first five albums of their career in my affections? No, but it's very close indeed. Sadler is imperious, the songs are great and Ian Crichton is playing tuneful guitar solos again. Fantastic!   Jez (on 10/07/12) A 3 year wait since the previous Moratti fronted 'Human Condition' and whilst that was a good, solid Saga album, Micheal Sadler was and always will be the voice of Saga, so his return here for their 20th studio album is a very welcome one. He is, as always, in fine voice and the band sound re-invigorated too, presenting a fine collection of new material. It is typical Saga in sound with no real surprises, which is to be honest, is just the way a Saga album should be, familiar in sound, yet new fresh, high quality material. Top bits for me Ball And Chain' and 'Lost For Words' but it is all rather good. 3 spins and you'll be hooked.   WOLF 359 (on 3/07/12) Sadler's back and so are Saga. Now don't get me wrong because I quite liked the album the band did with Rob Morrati - but it wasn't Saga! 20/20 is and it's also class from beginning to end. The voice of so many great songs, is once more in place to enthrall and entice the listener into the musical journey that only a band with 30 years and more of worldly experience can provide. Saga are back - now for the tour Yippee

 

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