On this date in 1982, British rock band the ALAN PARSONS PROJECT released their sixth studio album, EYE IN THE SKY (Jun 8, 1982)
This album marked a significant milestone in the band's career, highlighting their distinctive blend of pop and progressive rock. Produced by Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson, the album was recorded using analogue equipment and mixed directly to the digital master tape, making it one of the first of its kind. This technical innovation, alongside its musical content, garnered "Eye in the Sky" a nomination for Best Engineered Album at the 25th Annual Grammy Awards in 1983 and, decades later, it won the Grammy Award for Best Immersive Audio Album in 2019.
The Alan Parsons Project was formed in 1975 by Alan Parsons, a renowned engineer and producer, and Eric Woolfson, a talented songwriter, pianist, and lyricist. Parsons had already made a name for himself working on iconic albums like The Beatles' "Abbey Road" and Pink Floyd's "The Dark Side of the Moon." Woolfson, on the other hand, was a session pianist at Abbey Road Studios and had composed material for a concept album based on Edgar Allan Poe's works. Their collaboration led to the birth of The Alan Parsons Project and their debut album, "Tales of Mystery and Imagination."
Throughout their career, the band was known for its concept albums, often employing a rotating cast of session musicians and guest vocalists. This approach allowed them to explore various musical styles while maintaining a consistent quality in their productions. The songwriting partnership between Parsons and Woolfson was central to the band's success, with their knack for creating memorable melodies and sophisticated arrangements.
"Eye in the Sky" became the Alan Parsons Project's commercial peak, featuring their biggest hit, the title track, with lead vocals by Eric Woolfson. The album achieved significant success, reaching the top 10 in numerous countries and becoming the band's last platinum record in the United States. The instrumental piece "Sirius," which opens the album, gained fame as the theme for the Chicago Bulls during their championship years in the 1990s and continues to be a staple in sporting arenas across North America.
The album also includes "Mammagamma," another instrumental that found its way into various media, such as TVNZ's snooker coverage in New Zealand, BBC Wales, and Tony Fenton's late-night show on 2FM in Ireland. This track, like many others on the album, showcases the band's ability to create atmospheric and engaging instrumental pieces.
Despite its commercial success, "Eye in the Sky" received mixed reviews from critics. Ken Tucker of The Philadelphia Inquirer gave it a harsh one-star rating, describing it as "hopelessly banal" and criticising its melodies and vocals. In contrast, Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic praised the album for its melodic hooks and texture, calling it "arguably the most consistent Alan Parsons Project album."
"Eye in the Sky" starts with the haunting and bombastic instrumental "Sirius," which seamlessly transitions into the hit title track. The song, characterised by its "eight-note pumping bass" and repetitive but pleasant guitar chugging, features an instantly catchy melody and great vocals by Woolfson. It remains one of the best pop-rock songs of the 1980s, achieving significant chart success.
"Children of the Moon," a mid-tempo rocker, is elevated by Andrew Powell's exquisite orchestral arrangements, adding a proggier dimension to the track. This versatile piece of work includes chords, strings, and brass orchestrations, creating a rich and dynamic sound. The short track "Gemini" follows, with stunning vocal performances that add to the album's ethereal quality.
"Silence and I," the most prog-oriented song on the album, features a complete symphonic orchestra conducted by Powell. The track opens and closes as a ballad, with Woolfson's vocals delivering a poignant performance. The middle section, however, is an energetic sequence showcasing the full capabilities of the orchestra, making it one of the best-orchestrated songs by the Alan Parsons Project.
The tempo picks up with "You're Gonna Get Your Fingers Burned," a catchy 80s pop-rock number reminiscent of Electric Light Orchestra. "Psychobabble," a classic track built on a solid rhythm section and pounding keyboards, is known for its simple yet effective bass line and heavy use of synth layers and effects.
"Mammagamma" stands out as an ethereal instrumental, almost entirely played by a computer with programmed keyboards. Its repetitive and patterned structure is reminiscent of electronic artists like Jean-Michel Jarre, Vangelis, and Tangerine Dream. This track is a prime example of Parsons' engineering prowess.
"Step by Step" features an interesting guitar sound created by plugging the guitar directly into the mixing desk without amplification, resulting in a tone between an acoustic and electric guitar. However, despite this innovative approach, it is considered the weakest track on the album.
The album concludes with "Old and Wise," a rhapsodic ballad sung with breathtaking melancholy by Colin Blunstone, the ex-vocalist of the Zombies. His heartfelt performance, combined with the sentimental lyrics and a saxophone solo by Mel Collins, makes this track one of the album's most touching moments.
While the Alan Parsons Project excelled at enhancing their musical ideas with sophisticated arrangements, "Eye in the Sky" represents the pinnacle of their creativity, balancing pop and progressive elements effectively. Although the band never fully embraced the classic progressive rock style, they managed to carve out a unique niche, appealing to both pop and prog rock fans.
"Eye in the Sky" remains a testament to the Alan Parsons Project's ability to create memorable and engaging music, showcasing their talent for crafting catchy melodies and intricate arrangements. Even after decades, the album continues to be a beloved classic, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Alan Parsons and Eric Woolfson's collaborative genius.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdyto5rf0HU&pp=ygUkYWxhbiBwYXJzb25zIHByb2plY3QgZXllIGluIHRoZSBza3kg 
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