We have been featuring here the Canadian legends SAGA reissue series started in 2021 with fresh remastered versions. Suddenly the last album reissues were delayed for 2022, as it’s the case with ”Trust [2022 Edition remastered]” – the last from the series, in exclusive at plotn08.
Over 40 years have passed since melodic prog-rock band SAGA released their self-titled debut album. Since then, they have been an exceptional musical phenomenon and toured the globe various times — all the while selling over 10 million albums worldwide. Their sonic trademarks – synthesizer harmonies, keyboard-guitar riffs, melodic arrangements, and the charismatic vocals of frontman Michael Sadler – have made Saga an influential rock act of the modern era.
Celebrating the band’s four-decade legacy earMUSIC did the band’s reissue series exquisitely remastered and these “must own” releases will be welcome additions to the musical libraries of the Saga faithful.
Originally released 2006, ”Trust” is the first album to feature former Helix drummer Brian Doerner, and one of our Saga favorites – you can trust it is filled with everything that made us love Saga all along: strong vocals from both Michael Sadler and Jim Gilmour, superb guitar playing from Ian Crichton, all over the solid rhythms of bassist (and keyboardist) Jim Crichton and new drummer Doerner solid beats.
When ‘Trust’ was released album, Sadler said they were trying “to integrate as many fresh new ideas into Saga’s sound as we can.” And though not sure they accomplish any real ‘newness’ – to tell you the truth, we are quite a fan of the ‘old’ Saga thang – this release is as strong as anything the band has ever released.
Stand-out tracks for yours truly are “Back to the Shadows,” “I’m OK,” and the ballad the record company planned to push as single, “My Friend” — complete with some pretty fine clarinet courtesy of Mr. Gilmour. There are the usual Saga touches, most notably the guitar and keyboard attack on “Footsteps in the Hall.”
Devoid of the ‘chapter cycle’ songs we were introduced to on the first four Saga albums, which the band has stayed away from for a while, the lyrics on ”Trust” contain a nice and warm feeling of contentment. It’s nice to hear guys this adept at playing, a production layered yet not muddied and vocals as melodic as Sadlers’ and Gilmours’.
What we love about a band like Saga or any of the ‘older’, classic rock groups from the golden era is that they had a signature sound and certain style. ”Trust” packs all that. This is an exceptional CD from a band that needs no excuses or explanations.
HIGHLY Recommended
You’ve seen it first at anywhere
01 – That’s as Far as I’ll Go (Remastered 2022)
02 – Back to the Shadows (Remastered 2022)
03 – I’m OK (Remastered 2022)
04 – Time to Play (Remastered 2022)
05 – My Friend (Remastered 2022)
06 – Trust (Remastered 2022)
07 – It’s Your Life (Remastered 2022)
08 – Footsteps in the Hall (Remastered 2022)
09 – Ice in the Rain (Remastered 2022)
10 – You Were Right (Remastered 2022)
11 – On the Other Side (Remastered 2022)
Michael Sadler: Vocals
Ian Crichton: Guitars
Jim Crichton: Bass, keyboards
Jim Gilmour: Keyboards, vocals
Brian Doerner: Drums
SAGA – Trust [2022 Edition remastered], MP3+FLAC
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