Album Info
| Artist: | Uriah Heep |
| Album: | Return To Fantasy |
| Released: | Europe, 2023 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Return To Fantasy | |
| A2 | Shady Lady | |
| A3 | Devil's Daughter | |
| A4 | Beautiful Dream | |
| B1 | Prima Donna | |
| B2 | Your Turn To Remember | |
| B3 | Showdown | |
| B4 | Why Did You Go | |
| B5 | A Year Or A Day |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne, Australia (North of Northcote, between Thornbury & Reservoir)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
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- In stock vinyl is usally shipped next business day, please check the availability field at the top of the product page to see whether the record is currently in stock or if it is available from the supplier as well as estimated shipping times.
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- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"Return to Fantasy," released in 1975, is the eighth studio album by the British rock band Uriah Heep. This album marked a significant moment in the band's history, as it was the first to feature bassist John Wetton, who had previously played with King Crimson. Wetton's addition brought a fresh dynamic to the band's sound, contributing to the album's overall energy and musical complexity.
The album opens with the title track, "Return to Fantasy," which sets the tone with its powerful riffs and soaring vocals by lead singer David Byron. This track is often highlighted as one of the standout songs on the album, showcasing the band's ability to blend hard rock with progressive elements. The song's lyrics, which explore themes of escapism and imagination, resonate with the album's title and concept.
Another notable track is "Shady Lady," which features a catchy melody and a driving rhythm. The song's upbeat tempo and memorable chorus make it a fan favorite and a staple in Uriah Heep's live performances. "Devil's Daughter" and "Beautiful Dream" are also significant tracks that demonstrate the band's versatility, combining heavy guitar work with melodic keyboard arrangements by Ken Hensley.
"Return to Fantasy" received mixed reviews from critics upon its release. Some praised the album for its ambitious sound and the band's musicianship, while others felt it did not quite reach the heights of their earlier work. Despite the mixed critical reception, the album was commercially successful, reaching number 7 on the UK Albums Chart and number 85 on the US Billboard 200. This commercial success helped solidify Uriah Heep's status as one of the leading bands in the hard rock and progressive rock scenes of the 1970s.
The album's production, handled by Gerry Bron, is polished and captures the band's dynamic range. The interplay between Mick Box's guitar work and Ken Hensley's keyboards is a highlight throughout the album, creating a rich and layered sound that is characteristic of Uriah Heep's style. The rhythm section, with Lee Kerslake on drums and John Wetton on bass, provides a solid foundation that drives the album forward.
In terms of cultural significance, "Return to Fantasy" represents a period of transition for Uriah Heep. The mid-1970s were a time of change in the rock music landscape, with bands experimenting with new sounds and styles. Uriah Heep's willingness to incorporate progressive elements into their hard rock framework helped them maintain relevance during this era.
While "Return to Fantasy" may not have achieved the same legendary status as some of Uriah Heep's earlier albums like "Demons and Wizards" or "The Magician's Birthday," it remains an important part of their discography. The album's exploration of fantasy themes and its blend of rock and progressive elements continue to resonate with fans of the genre.
Overall, "Return to Fantasy" is a testament to Uriah Heep's enduring appeal and their ability to adapt and evolve. The album captures a band at a crossroads, embracing new influences while staying true to their roots. For fans of classic rock and progressive rock, "Return to Fantasy" offers a glimpse into the creative spirit of one of the era's most influential bands.
