Saga - 20/20

I gotta say I was never a big Saga fan, until their last release The Human Condition.  I always thought of them as a pop band, because of their video, from back in the day, for On the Loose.  It wasn't until 3 years ago, that realized what a great prog band Saga is.  I really dug the last album as well as the vocals of (previous) new vocalist Rob Moratti.  Moratti was in the band for about a second (3 years), until original vocalist Michael Sadler announced his return to the band.  Not being a long time fan of the band, I was kind of bummed, because Moratti delivered so nicely on their previous effort.  20/20 is the result of the band's reunion, and it is promised to be return to form for the band, let's see if they delivered.

Like the previous record, the musicianship on this CD is incredible.  I still can not believe I came to the party so late.  It is easy to hear where Dream Theater got some of their influence, at least from a melodic side.  The band is not over the top progressive, because they stay very melodic and somewhat commercial, while still holding onto a nice edge.  The first 4 tracks on the CD are stellar.  It is one killer tune after another, which get better with every listen.  Out of the 4, my favorite, at the moment, is Spin it Again.  It is a killer mid-tempo rock with a sweet ass groovin riff which drives it.  The CD is well balanced and has some nice ballads included like the memorable Lost for Words.  All in all a very solid CD.  A very nice platter of music here. 

Bottom Line: The band come back with a nice re-union record.  The band prove they still got it.  Solid songs that get better with each spin.

Standout Tracks: Six Feet Under, Spin it Again, Lost for Words and Anywhere You Wanna Go.

-Ragman thinks he likes the last record just a little more.