Eve (1979)
The Alan Parsons Project's fourth studio album, Eve, is not just yet another concept record, but the bands THIRD No Skip Album! Eve was a game changer, exploring the theme of femininity and the many roles that women play in society, battling complex issues and emotions surrounding gender and identity. The record was released in the late 70s during a time when feminist movements were really starting to gain momentum around the world. It is safe to say that The Alan Parsons Project was a bit progressive (and … dare I say … liberal!) and they were delivering an important message at a pivotal time in history.
The album features an eclectic mix of styles and sounds, ranging from rock to pop to grand orchestral arrangements. The music is impeccably crafted and expertly produced, as one would expect from a band led by Alan Parsons, who we all know by now had previously worked as a sound engineer on famous albums by The Beatles and Pink Floyd.
There are great instrumentals in Lucifer and Secret Garden and there are fantastic pop rock anthems in Damned If I Do and You Lie Down With Dogs. Lyrically, the later speaks to the societal double standards placed on women as opposed to their male counterparts, and the former speaking to the tension and conflict created between men and women by society.
Winding Me Up touches on the expectations and pressures caused by society, Don’t Hold Back speaks to not let society limit you and to channel your inner strength, and You Won’t Be There is a heart wrenching ballad speaking about how the loss of someone in a relationship can shape one’s sense of identity and self worth.
Eve is a deeply introspective and reflective album that also delves into themes of love, loss, and self discovery. It is an emotionally resonant record that stands out as one of The Alan Parsons Project's finest works. So far they have not let me down with a release and their creativity, imagination and innovation utilized in crafting these first four records are nothing short of legendary.
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Highlight Songs:
Damned If I Do
You Lie Down With Dogs
You Won’t Be There
I’d Rather Be A Man
If I Could Change Your Mind
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Put this review down and stop wasting your time. Go buy it! Eve is an astonishingly great concept record that has everything you could want. Buy it and play it until the Earth stops spinning. Then share it with your friends.
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Overall Rating:
4.5 Stars
