Description

How do you even begin to describe an album like Magnum's 1983 release ‘The Eleventh Hour’? It's hard enough just trying to explain just what Magnum's sound is all about. The term pomp rock is close, but does it really do Magnum, which has elements of so many classic rock bands from Deep Purple and Rainbow to Uriah Heep and Genesis, justice? However you classify them, Magnum is one of the finest classic rock bands around, and they were in top form on ‘The Eleventh Hour’, an album that blended pomp and art rock with strong pop sensibilities. It was equal parts Uriah Heep, Styx, and REO Speedwagon, as odd as that sounds. If you're into any (or all) of those bands, you'll probably understand. The songs are dramatic and bombastic, but are highly melodic as well. They're undeniably rock songs, but also have a strong pop flavour to them. I'd recommend this album to just about anyone who enjoys classic rock. Magnum is a tragically overlooked band, and once you hear them, you're hooked. ‘The Eleventh Hour’ is probably the perfect album to start with, as it really represents what Magnum was all about. There isn't a weak moment on the entire album, and if I were to name the best all-time Magnum songs, at least two-thirds of the songs on ‘The Eleventh Hour’ would make the list. 1999 remastered edition Track listing: 1. The Prize 2. Breakdown 3. The Great Disaster 4. Vicious Companions 5. So Far Away 6. Hit And Run 7. One Night Of Passion 8. The Word 9. Young And Precious Souls 10. Road To Paradise