*. Nektar .* (SHM-CD Japan Remaster 2013 + Bonus)

Album: Magic is a Child (1977)(SHM-CD Remaster 2013 + Bonus)
Genre: Prog Rock (Psych/Art Rock/AOR)  /  Germany

Nektar was and still is one of my fav band from progressive rock movements from the '70's. I don't know but I feel that this band was always in the shadow of other big names from that period. Nektar release some very good albums in early to mid '70's , even better in places then the masters, but with all that they had a moderate succes in this field. Now Magic is the child released in 1977 is a step in other direction from the band. After the excellent and one of my fav prog albums ever Recycled, Nektar steps in a more accesible direction, not entirely comerfcial or mainstream side of prog but quite enough to see thet they are ready for a change in sound. This phase of the band is perhaps and almost sure because of the departure of the main man of the band, the songwritter and a solid pile in Nektar's music - I'm talking about Roye Albrighton. Now, Magic is the child is not entirely bad, is like I'm listning in places to Styx or Forigner, the band focused more on short pieces, quite pale in comparation with their older sound, but not bad, only diffrent and less exciting arrangements overall. Some good pieces grace the album like opening track Away from Asgard , Listen or title piece Magic is a child are worth purchase the rest are quite ok but nothing realy enjoyble to the max. A so so Nektar album, not bad as a whole but not something special either, I will give 3 stars tot his one, with indulgens, is very far from previous works , even to previous album just released a year prior. 
Review by "b_olariu" (Prog Archives).

RATING:  7.75 / 10

.