Eye In The Sky (1982)
The consistency of The Alan Parsons Project is simply unreal. ‘Eye In The Sky’ is the 6th studio album from the group and they have once again earned a NSA award! Simply, ‘Eye In The Sky’ is a must-have for fans of The Alan Parsons Project and I’d even go as far as saying it is a must have in anyone’s music collection. With its haunting melodies and strong lyrical themes, the album remains a standout in the band's discography and arguably their most commercially successful album to date.
The addition of the bonus tracks on the Expanded Edition add new layers to the album, deepening the exploration of the records concept of surveillance and voyeurism. The concept of this record feels a little looser than the bands previous releases, but the quality of the music and the production make up for it.
It has become iconic and timeless, and this rings most true with the albums opening song and instrumental “Sirius”. The opening riff has been used for sporting events for decades and should ring familiar to you. The self titled track, “Eye In The Sky”, is arguably not just one of this bands greatest songs, but one of the greatest songs ever in the history of recorded music as it is a perfect balance of intricate musicianship and catchy pop hooks.
Songs like “Children of the Moon” are dreamy and atmospheric and explore the idea of living in a world where one is disconnected from reality. “Silence and I” is a melancholic ballad at times and an absolute powerhouse of musicianship at other times, exploring the feeling of being alone in a world that is constantly moving.
Halfway through the record you get the super catchy “You’re Gonna Get Your Fingers Burned”, which sounds like it could have been a “Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy”-era Elton John song that was reworked in the style of The Alan Parsons Project. It explores the consequences of voyeurism and the next track “Psychobabble” speaks about communication breakdowns and the difficulties of expressing oneself.
There is not a single bad moment on this record, and ‘Eye In The Sky’ has one of the strongest finishes to an Alan Parsons album to date. The closing songs “Step By Step” and “Old and Wise” are phenomenal. I cannot say enough good things about them. The former discussing the idea of taking life one day at a time, and the later exploring the idea of growing old and reflecting back on your life. Musically, lyrically, conceptually .. these songs are incredible and they all culminate onto this masterpiece of an album.
The Expanded Edition even includes ‘The Naked Eye’ songs, which were originally intended to be part of the album, complementing the album's overall sound. They are all instrumental and they essentially condense the album down to 10 minutes and get played out in medley form. It is just a little bonus cherry on top of the toppest of tiered ice cream sundaes that is ‘Eye In The Sky.’
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Highlight Songs:
Sirius
Eye In The Sky
Silence and I
Step By Step
Old and Wise
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Don’t you dare hesitate on whether or not to own this or not. There is a clear cut answer and it is yes. Own it. Go buy it right now. Stream it on your way to the store and then take your hard copy home. Build it a shrine, start a cult and have everyone in your cult worship this record… Or you could just buy it and play it a lot ... whichever you prefer. But I’d be happier if you followed the first option.
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Overall Rating:
5 Stars
