However, it is also bittersweet hearing the wonderful vocals of David Longdon on this album. Despite that questionable ending, still a great album overall. Certainly an intriguing track from newcomer pianist Carly Bryant, but ends the album with more of a WTF? than the grandness of previous releases. Then, towards the end of the song it transitions into a New Orleans-style Dixieland jam before ending with the opening disturbing mood and lyrics. ![]() ![]() The conclusion of the album is weakened a bit by the final two songs, as 'Oak and Stone' languishes some with an odd unsettled melody, and the final title track may be the strangest in the band's history, starting with disturbing lyrics and then perhaps the least inviting 'Welcome' ever with beautiful harmonies but a dark and twisted melody. The first half of the album shines the brightest, with 'Connection Plan', the grand and sumptuous 'Lanterna', the sparse and beautiful ballad 'Capitoline Venus' (featuring perhaps the best vocal performance from David Longdon), and the atmospheric instrumental 'A Room with No Ceiling'. Both of the songs written by drummer Nick D'Virgiolio ('Connection Plan' and the dynamic instrumental 'Bats in the Belfry') are excellent and quite different from previous Big Big Train songs (including an extended drum solo). The band continues growing and developing during a period of transition and changeover in personnel, exploring and moving in some new directions, and getting contributions from various band members. Although it can't quite match the heights of the previous album (which was my pick for best album of 2021), it is still a great album. 5 stars.īig Big Train's follow-up to their stellar 2021 album, Common Ground, is Welcome to the Planet, which continues their run of wonderful albums, with another collection of great songs. But this great music will live on, and most likely BBT will also continue to move forward as well. A huge loss for BBT, David's family, his fans, and the music world. Unfortunately, BBT also suffered a devastating loss late this year, when longtime frontman vocalist-songwriter David Longdon tragically died in a vehicle accident in November 2021 (R.I.P David). For me, one of their all-time best (probably best since English Electric, and possibly best overall), showing more growth and diversity, and just wonderful music. This was undoubtedly my favorite album of 2021, it just keeps getting better with repeated listenings. ![]() Not as 'pastoral' as other recent albums, but this bolder vision for BBT combines all the best aspects of previous albums with some delightful new sounds and styles. Later in the album, the full glory of Big Big Train is fully realized, with the concluding series of 'Common Ground', 'Atlantic Cable', and 'Endnotes' providing perhaps their best song sequence ever, highlighting all the soaring emotions, beautiful melodies and grand themes present in their best work. It starts with a few songs that don't quite sound like BBT, as they expand their sound in some interesting directions and styles, and although at first a bit disconcerting, it all works wonderfully, providing some fresh style and perspective. I thoroughly love this album, from start to finish, every song a gem. Following a string of great albums in recent years, 2020 saw personnel changes paring the size of the band down from 8 to 4, but this sensational album, Common Ground, saw the new stripped-down band respond impressively, boldly moving forward, trying out some new styles and directions, while maintaining and building upon the core attributes that make this band great.
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