Rick Wakeman – 2000 A.D. Into The Future (1991)

In my defence, it was only a quid, I had my wallet out already, and I did enjoy Wakeman's 1970s work with Yes.

In Wakeman's defence, these pieces were written for a series of 'futuristic films' and never intended as stand-alone compositions.

Described as a 'series of virtuoso digital and analogue keyboard playing' suggests to me that the writer of the sleeve notes values Wakeman's keyboard talent (which isn't in any doubt) and crisp production - neither of which can be faulted - above the quality and interest of the compositions. It's all programmed drums, electronic keyboards, and sounds like the sort of pieces Wakeman could just toss off in his sleep.

Perhaps it's an experiment in early computerised sound, but if anyone in 1991 really thought that this was the future of music, then they would have had their ears removed. It's lifeless, bland, and hopefully managed to pay a few tax bills with little financial outlay from the author.

I'm not going to try to analyse each track, but if you can imagine a competition to write a theme for a sports show or unchallenging soap in 1991, this feels like those pieces rejected.

No thanks, Rick. Where's my copy of Close To The Edge?

Link to full album

1* - a truly dismal set of tunes