Ammonia Avenue (1984)
I was in complete shock and disarray reading many community reviews of this album .. Put some respect on Ammonia Avenue!
I am at a loss for words as this is without a doubt one of The Alan Parsons Project’s greatest works up until this point. It is gorgeous and it is absolutely a No Skip Album. This band is 5 for 6 in the NSA department and I keep wondering how much longer can they keep this momentum going.
‘Ammonia Avenue’ is the bands 7th studio album and was released in 1984, continuing the band's trend of exploring conceptual themes in their music. The overall concept of ‘Ammonia Avenue’ revolves around the theme of urban decay and societal decline. Pretty “woke” stuff!
The record’s opening track, "Prime Time," sets the tone with lyrics that suggest that people are obsessed with fame and success, even if it comes at a cost. This theme is explored further in tracks such as "Let Me Go Home," which tells the story of a homeless man begging for change, and "Don’t Answer Me”, which speaks to the theme of unrequited love and that rejection is relatable and universal to all.
Let it be known right here right now that “Don’t Answer Me” is one of the greatest songs ever written. Period. It is beautiful, catchy, vibrant, instantly recognizable, and timeless. If there is anything you take away from this review, let it be that. Also, do not listen to any negative thoughts on “You Don’t Believe”. That song kicks ass and you are in denial if you don’t think so.
‘Ammonia Avenue’, like all of the groups previous releases, includes an instrumental. This record has “Pipeline”, which easily should go down as the bands best instrumental they have produced. Narrowly beating out “Sirius” from Eye in the Sky. If your jaw doesn’t drop while listening to “Pipeline”, you aren’t listening to music the right way.
Another standout track on the record is "Since the Last Goodbye," a ballad that deals with the theme of lost love and heartbreak. Also, “Ammonia Avenue," the title track, explores the theme of environmental destruction and pollution. The song's atmospheric sound and the use of synthesizers create a haunting listening experience that serves as a warning of the dangers of neglecting our planet. Almost 40 years later and we are still not listening to their warning.
*big sigh*
Anyways, ‘Ammonia Avenue’ is a concept record that delves deep into the societal and environmental issues of its time and unfortunately of our current time too. The band's consistency is unreal and this album is a must-listen for fans of The Alan Parsons Project and for anyone interested in thought-provoking music or anyone interested in experiencing every single emotion within a 40 minute span of time.
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Highlight Songs:
Don’t Answer Me
Prime Time
Dancing on a High Wire
Pipeline
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Read this review and no others, don’t let them turn you away! ‘Ammonia Avenue’ is a mid-80s light progrock masterpiece. Buy it. Sleep with it. Cook it dinner and treat it like family. Maybe even like a romantic partner. This is a mesmerizingly beautiful record and it deserves nothing but love.
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Overall Rating:
5 Stars
