I guess you all know Michael Sadler as frontman of Saga since 1978, but how many of you know he released a solo album back in 1998? Indeed, it was called “Back Where You Belong”, but was only available as a limited edition through the Internet!
What we have here with “Clear” is a combination of revamped material from that first solo album plus some newer songs. Except for “In The Name Of Love”, which was co-written by Michael Sadler and (excellent) engineer/producer Thomas Schmitt-Zijnen, all songs are from the hands of Michael himself, so that quality is guaranteed throughout. Recordings took place at four different studios between August 1995 and June 2004. If you expect an album like Saga, I suppose you will be slightly disappointed. Of course Michael’s voice is still there ?nd very recognizable, but the material is less progressive and a lot more accessible (read: mainstream). A lot of songs will even invite you to sing along with. For proof: listen to glorious tracks such as “Who’s Fooling Who” and/or “Too Much Time On My Hands”. What makes them outstanding tracks are not only the vocals of Mr Sadler himself, but the backing vocals of (adult and young) choirs as well. Hats off to all musicians and backing vocalists, but Michael is still the star of this album and with this quite personal album, you will have the chance to hear him sing in ways you didn’t hear him perform before. As this isn’t pure progrock, I’m sure Michael can and will reach a wider range of people than the Saga fans only. And on top of all that, not only the contents are more than just OK, the same can be said of the sound as well as from the artwork/booklet, in which you can follow all the lyrics (which I truly recommend).
A personal album from Mr Sadler that deserves a lot of attention from a wide range of people. Check it out! (CL)
 

---

Members' opinions

post your opinion

Jez (on 19/04/07) Have always rated Michael's voice and he doesn't dissapoint on this. Some of the tracks were on his Internet only released 'Back Where You Belong' album from '98 (which is quite a rarity these days).Material wise this is a pretty mixed bag of styles with more of a mainstream sound than his day job with the Saga boys,so will hopefully appeal to a wider range of listeners. A nice touch to offer 'Special signed Editions' to those who pre-ordered. Quality!   snoe (on 29/12/04) Enjoyable progressive AOR. Nothing more, nothing less.   AOR Ive (on 28/10/04) With 'Clear' Michael Sadler has released a very strong AOR / melodic rock album with some progressive influences . It's definitely from the same quality as Saga's new album and I cannot find one weak song on this cd . Let us hope that Michael will release some more solo albums in the future , but for now this one will do just fine .   AORPOMPY (on 11/10/04) Good stuff from Michael. Not as strong as Saga, but good in its own mind. Give this a try ! It's miles above The Tangent, Pain Of Salvation and Flower Kings ! Good, not classic, effort ! Four and a half stars will do !   WOLF 359 (on 10/10/04) This album is in my humble opinion brilliant. No it's not anything like "SAGA" except for the voice. What it is , is an uplifting musical experience that gets better everytime you play it . What is on offer is great ,caychy melodic aor that most people will love. I think it is also a very personal record for "Michael Sadler" full of beautiful heartfelt lyrics,and fantastic arrangements that draw you in and then won't let go . As "CL"says the musicianship throughout is wonderful and the harmony vocals sublime. You can tell i love this can't you ?. Top ten this year you bet . BUY

 

---

Post your opinion

You have to be registered and logged in to post your opinion. Log in.