Alone At Last - Gary Burton

Advantages: The best metal album ever!
Disadvantages: Cliff's last album. R.I.P.

...I cannot possibly do justice to this amazing album in just 120 words. It is the best metal album, bar none, and can be life changing if listened to at adolescence. In fact, I think all people should be forced to listen to this album as soon as they hit puberty. Its that good. And it's not just for rebellious teens either. I know of many people in their thirties who still listen to this album. 'Why does it transcend age?' I hear you cry! Because this is pure, energetic music at its best. I defy anyone not to like this album. High spots for me are: Battery (perhaps the finest example of thrash metal ever), Master of Puppets (epic, and every second is worth listening to again and again), Sanitarium (just damn good) and Damage Inc. (aggressive and has great bass playing). But this album is worth buying for Cliff Burton's bass solo in Orion... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Great listening,Richard Burton.
Disadvantages: None (though perhaps a bit dated for the younger listener)

...voice has a mesmerising quality that draws you into the whole experience; along with Jeff Wayne’s musical composition he sets the tone of the whole album. The music is big, bold, and orchestral at times and completely in keeping with the whole venture. The Lyrics for the songs, written by Gary Osborne and Paul Vigrass, capture the essence and romance of Well’s original story, even if Wayne has played around with the characterisation a wee bit, (in the book the narrator tells the story of his brother, the journalist, whilst here Burton plays the part of the journalist as the narrator himself) but it doesn’t matter a jot, this isn’t trying to be just an audio book, it’s a musical experience using a well known story as a theme, so a little tweaking is allowed and does no harm. Musically this is a concept album using many different artists... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Full in your face metal extravaganza
Disadvantages: Only eight tracks

...Master of puppets is definately the best thing that Metallica has ever done. Unfortunately this was the last album that Cliff Burton played bass on before his tragic death. The album has but eight tracks but stil manages to push your stereos speakers for over an hour. All the tracks are consistantly amazingly high quality metal and there is not one flaw to the album whatsoever. The album is definately a must have for any fans of classic metal music. I would say in my own opinion that "Welcome home (Sanitarium)" and "Master of puppets" are possibly the best metal tracks ever. If you don't own this album then buy it now! It will be the best purchase of an album that you ever make, almost guaranteed!... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful