Artist : Alan Parsons

Album : The Secret

Release Date : 26-04-2019

Added : 25-06-2019

It was about fifteen years ago that 'Alan Parsons' had not released a solo album and his activity was more oriented in the production with for example one of the latest in 2017, his collaboration with 'Steven Wilson' for the last 'Blackfield' (see here). 'The Secret' is a bit like the album that historical fans always hoped to see released and after his past electronic experiments that did not really conquer the crowds, there is no doubt, any amateur of 'Alan Parsons Project' in the 70/80, will recognize the style of the English because this opus is resolutely turned to its original group. First, it's a concept album whose theme revolves around magic and, from the begining, 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice', which is the cover of the symphonic piece 'Paul Dukas' and which has been democratized by the film from Disney 'Fantasia', plunges us into this fantastic universe of illusions. Then, it is with 'Miracle' that we find the melodies that accompanied us in the 70s and 80s, for example in 'Eyes in the Skies' to quote the best-known album, and 'As Lights Fall', after a short orchestral introduction, continues in this characteristic style with this rhythmic which is the hallmark of Alan Parsons'. With 'One Note Symphony', it's the other facet of the compositions of the English that is put forward, the meeting between the symphonic and the pop and which was especially present on an album like 'The Turn Of A Friendly Card’. The following continues to offer songs accessible at first listen as the romantic 'Sometimes' and beautiful ballads 'Soiree Fantastique', 'Years of Glory' or 'I Cant Get There From Here' which brings us back to the atmospheres of 'Since the last Goodbye' from the album 'Ammonia Avenue' of 1984, but also 'Fly to Me' which, with its vocal arrangements and the singing of 'Mark Mikel' brings us back a few years before with the 'Beatles' or still, 'Requiem' which is very jazzy and brings a real diversity to the whole. In summary, with 'The Secret', 'Alan Parsons' returns to his first project and offers us an album filled with beautiful compositions that will undoubtedly delight historical fans but which can also reach a large audience through very accessible melodies...

Line Up / Musicians

Alan Parsons (Vocal, Guitar, Keybords)+ Guests : Ian Bairnson (Guitare), Andy Ellis (Keybords), Angelo Pizzaro (Piano), Carl Sorensen (Drums), Dan Tracey (Guitar, Keybords), Danny Thompson (Drums), Guy Erez, Jake Shimabukuro (Ukulélé), Jared Mahone (Vocal), Jason Mraz (Vocal), Jeff Kollmann (Guitar), Jeff Peterson (Bass), Jordan Huffman (Vocal), Lou Gramm (Vocal), Mark Mikel (Vocal), Michael Fitzpatrick (Cello), Nathan East (Bass), Oscar Utterström (Trombone), Pat Caddick (Piano), Pj Olsson (Vocal), Steve Hackett (Guitar), Todd Cooper (Vocal, Saxophone), Tom Brooks (Keybords, Piano), Tony Rosacci (Guitar), Vinnie Ciesielski (Trumpet), Vinnie Colaiuta (Drums)