1984

1984 Artist: Rick Wakeman
Label: Griffin Records
Category: Music


Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Format: Import
Media: Audio CD
Number Of Discs: 1


UPC: 054421016027
EAN: 0054421016027
ASIN: B000001LDM


Release Date: 1999-01-05

1984


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Tracks:

  1. Overture: Part 1/Part 2/War Games
  2. Julia
  3. The Hymn
  4. The Room (Brainwash), Parts 1 And 2
  5. Robot Man
  6. Sorry
  7. No Name
  8. Forgotten Memories
  9. The Proles
  10. 1984

Album Description

Even though the majority of the songs include vocals, Rick Wakeman's 1984 stands as one his most well-rounded albums, combining the dexterity and mastery of the keyboards with the richness and instrumental passion of violins, trombones, and flutes. But these instruments are only a handful that emerge throughout the 11 tracks on the album, which remains both vocally and musically true to its conceptual purpose of perpetrating George Orwell's classic tale. Wakeman implements French horns, harp, piccolos, tubas, and even marimbas to capture the essence of his pieces, all fusing quite harmoniously behind the powerful yet effective runs of piano and synthesizer. Chaka Khan and an accompanying choir along with the delicate sound of an acoustic piano aptly describe in musical form the warmth and promise of the female heroine. Tim Rice, who wrote the lyrics for the album, sings lead on The Proles, while the

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars At last - real lyrics to go with the great music.......2003-12-29

Of course getting Tim Rice to write the lyrics helps. This was going to be a rock musical but didn't get off the ground. It's a pity because the music and lyrics are both really good, a rare combination in Rick Wakeman's discography. '1984' is a musical interpretation of George Orwell's 1984 which Wakeman released 3 years early, good taste on Rick's part but bad timing as he was about as popular in 1981 as a fart in a Chanel factory, as he puts it.

There is less Wakeman keyboard here than in most of his other albums, as it is in true musical format so relies on strong lyrics to propel the story, with keyboards and orchestra providing accompaniment. There is a flattering list of guest soloists, including Chaka Khan, Steve Harley and Jon Anderson, with even Tim Rice singing during the Proles (not very well, but it doesn't really matter.)

Overture is a strong instrumental that sets the mood well, and Julia is a lovely sad love song. My favourite track is Robot Man, which is funky. I like Jon Anderson's pastoral Hymn track, and all the others are listenable as well. Tim Rice's lyrics are excellent, just what you'd expect from him and it is probably safe to say that if Rick had written them I would be knocking at least 2 stars off this rating. Orwell's book is not really brought to life in this short excerpt, but you can see where the album was heading and if 1984 had made it to the stage as a longer version, it could have been up there with Chess and others from the same era.

Overall, this one is in my Wakeman top ten. Not really like anything he's ever written before or since, either. Well worth the price.

5 out of 5 stars Maybe his best album.......2000-01-02

Once you've listened to Wakeman's essential 3 classics (King Arthur, Center of the Earth, and Henry VIII), you notice that Rick has a TON of albums out there. Many of them s#@k. This one, however, is a total joy. Great arrangements, a cleverly told story, and great guest apparences, especially from Chaka Khan. Tim Rice (who wrote all of the lyrics) also does a guest vocal, with curious results.

4 out of 5 stars It`s not a 70`s Wakeman, but don`t worry, it`s great !.......1999-05-09

I have listened this album for the first time in a friend`s house when I was at school, in the early 80`s, in my hometown, Rio de Janeiro. Of course I expected something like King Arthur or Journey to the Center (or Centre, to respect his British origin !)of the Earth, and although it was a less known work, it is as good as the most famous ones. It`s also his most "80`s" work, similar in many things to the others made during the 70`s, but different in many ways that I simply can`t explain, and what makes a Wakeman, a real Wakeman, always in his style but never repetitive. The only regret is to have listened the album and have never bought that. Chaka Khan and Jon Anderson are also very happy in their appearences on the album. I would like to say "buy it and listen to it", but unfortunately it`s out of catalogue, although for the ones who have how to find it, I can say one thing: Don`t worry, it`s simply great !

5 out of 5 stars This album became a rarity.......1999-04-26

This album became a rarity in my country. I know it well but I can't find any CD containing it. This relates almost all Rick Wakeman's album - it's a pity, because I am his fan during more than 20 years.

3 out of 5 stars

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  1. Very Best of Sheryl Crow/Live in Central Park: DeLuxe Sound & Vision ~ Sheryl Crow
  2. Out & About With Gone Jackals ~ Gone Jackals
  3. Words from the Front ~ Tom Verlaine
  4. Classic Yes ~ Yes
  5. Airport: The Motors' Greatest Hits ~ The Motors
  6. Fancey ~ Fancey
  7. Tubular Bells 2003 (+ Bonus DVD)
  8. Beyond the Obvious ~ Jinxed
  9. Acoustic Strawbs: Baroque & Roll ~ The Strawbs
  10. First Comes First

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Smooth ~ Gerald Albright

When Is It Real? ~ Alexander Zonjic

Chango ~ Robin Jones & King Salsa

Boogie Chillen ~ John Lee Hooker

Folk Songs ~ Vasilic Nenad Balkan Band

Complete Blue Note 50's Sessions ~ Gil Melle

20 Uhr ~ Reinhard Mey

Klezmer Traditions ~ Various Artists

Agua de Menino ~ Mestre Kenura

Mozart Auf Der Reise Nach Prag ~ Eduard Morike