Procol Harum
' 
The Prodigal Stranger - Zoo Entertainment 1991
Tracks: 1. The Truth Won't Fade Away / 2. Holding On / 3. Man With A Mission / 4. Turn Back The Page / 5. One More Time / 6. A Dream In Ev'ry Home / 7. The Hand That Rocks The Cradle / 8. The King Of Hearts / 9. All Our Dreams Are Sold / 10. Perpetual Motion / 11. Learn To Fly / 12. The Pursuit Of Happiness
Comments:
This Procol Harum reunion album is much better than I originally thought. "The Prodigal Stranger" was released in 1991, 14 years after its predecessor "Something Magic". Four original members Gary Brooker, Matthew Fisher, Robin Trower and lyricist Keith Reid came together to revive the group; partly in memory of the recently deceased original drummer B.J. Wilson. Newcomers were Mark Brzezicki and Dave Bronze, who also toured with the group the following years.
Musically, the group has almost completely removed itself from its classical music inspiration, which was a significant element in the group's original expression, together with, of course, tight R&B. On the other hand, there is plenty of the latter part on "The Prodigal Stranger", and key member Gary Brooker's vocals and songwriting are superb on most tracks.
On the rhythm side, B.J. Wilson's characteristic drumming is obviously missed and the spillover from the annoying drum sound of the 1980s can be felt on some tracks.
The lyrics have become more mainstream, and there is not much left of Reid's mysterious writings that originally revolved around cynicism, death and dreams.
The album was not a commercial success, but nevertheless the starting point for a relatively successful revival of the band. A few singles were issued; the catchy "The Truth Won't Fade Away", written by Brooker/Fisher/Reid and "All Our Dreams Are Sold" written by Brooker/Trower/Reid. The former is classic Procol Harum a la "Strong as Samson", while the latter is a somewhat heavy blues-rocker; a not particularly obvious single subject.
Apart from a small handful of "flutters", this is actually a very fine collection of songs and it features a Gary Brooker in top form. On the two very fine "A Dream in Every Home" and "The Hand that Rocks the Cradle", his strong vocals are not unlike Van Morrison's.
Other tracks that could be highlighted include the soulful, anthemic "Holding On" and the melodic "The King of Hearts" and "Perpetual Motion".
A fine comeback album. Honor the memory of Gary Brooker and Procol Harum.
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