RATINGS: A = must own B = buy it C= average D = yawn F = puke

Saga - Sagacity (Special Edition)
earMUSIC
http://www.ear-music.net/en/news/
http://sagaontour.moonfruit.com

Rating: B+

Canadian rock stalwarts Saga recently released their new album Sagacity. They’ve come up with a special edition also containing a live album, Saga Hits, recorded at SWR1 Rockarena in Ludwigshafen, Germany.

Disc one, Sagacity, is a well produced album of new music that safely falls within the Saga style. Some have said perhaps a little too safely; but there are some quality songs here.  “Let It Slide”, my favorite in the set, is a powerful rocker that get things started very nicely. I particularly enjoy the drums on this song; they’re well played and particularly well mixed. Now that is how rock drums should sound! Mike Thorne has some serious rock chops and fills up the soundscape nicely.

There is a satisfying groove to the new music. For Saga lovers it will fit in the collection like an old glove. Sagacity has the depth of diversity their fans have always loved. The range of song styles is impressive. From the prog-ish “Go With The Flow” to the hard driving “Wake Up” to the rock ballad-esque “I’ll Be” to the just plain out there “Press 9”, Saga fans will not be disappointed.

Disc two, Saga Hits (Live), has the band crankin’ it up, German style. The Germans, they do love their Saga! They have consistently given them the best chart numbers throughout the band’s existence. It was a good idea to record the live album there. It features a steady string of Saga’s hits being performed in front of a thoroughly excited crowd. The energy comes through big time, and Saga seemed to feed off it as well. It’s a good live disc and a nice addition to the new album.

It’s clear Saga is letting everyone know they can still be a major presence in both the studio and on the stage. The Sagacity Special Edition set does a lot to help prove it. Both discs are a fun listen.

TRACK LISTING

DISC ONE: SAGACITY

  1. Let It Slide
  2. Vital Signs
  3. It Doesn’t Matter (Who You Are)
  4. Go With The Flow
  5. Press 9
  6. Wake Up
  7. Don't Forget To Breathe
  8. The Further You Go
  9. On My Way
  10. No Two Sides
  11. Luck
  12. I’ll Be

DISC TWO: SAGA HITS (LIVE)

  1. Careful Where You Step
  2. Mouse In A Maze
  3. You’re Not Alone
  4. The Cross
  5. Scratching The Surface
  6. Humble Stance
  7. On The Loose
  8. Wind Him Up
  9. Don’t Be Late (Chapter 2

By Roy Rahl