Raised In Captivity [Import]

John Wetton's informative sleeve notes tell us that this title was originally intended for his 1990 masterpiece album that was ultimately entitled `Battle Lines'. So 21 years later is this offering as good as that album ? In my opinion it's not, and believe me I have played it many times. `Raised in Captivity', recorded with massive input and assistance by ex-Yes man Billy Sherwood just doesn't quite cut the mustard for me as a combined work, hence only four stars, although it does have some great moments that only John Wetton can produce.

Starting off with the aggressive, up-tempo `Lost for words' the album gets off to a powerful start and with its abrupt silences (three I counted, not including the end), wicked drumming (Sherwood?) and stonking chorus so that we're really in a wide awake mood by the time it's finished . Puffed out of breath, the title track (co-written by Robert Fripp) follows with an atmospheric intro and it's a pretty fine song too although more laid back. So far so good gets even better with my favourite track following; `Goodbye Elsimore' is a sing-along tune with great harmonies and backing vocals topped off with a guest guitar solo from Steve Hackett. Next up is `The last night of my life' which is a reasonable (if slightly too long) song followed by the `bonus track' `We stay together' which thank heavens is included as it's one of the best tracks. After this, things go downhill rapidly. `The Human condition' is probably the worst John Wetton track I've heard - too long and just plain unmemorable. `Steffis Ring' is short and sweet but nothing special followed by the overlong (nearly 7 minutes) and very repetitive `The Devil and the Opera House' which ends up with instrumentation evaporating and just John's vocals remaining. The next song, the fairly up-tempo `New star rising' is reasonable as is the ballad `Don't misunderstand me' featuring the familiar aching Wetton vocals. Last up it's the only song not co-written by John, `Mighty Rivers' and it's a moving conclusion to the album featuring a duet with the ethereal vocals of Anneke van Giersbergen (who sung on a couple of tracks on John's Icon 2 album recorded with Geoff Downes - check out `To catch a Thief' - it's marvellous). It leaves a lasting, slightly mystic taste and makes one wish for a couple of other songs in this vein in place of some of the weaker tracks.

I can't knock John for his impressive workload in releasing his third offering in three consecutive years (after Icon 3 with Geoff Downes in 2009 and then Omega with Asia in 2010) and it's a classy looking package, but under the bonnet it's not quite as strong as other releases.

This is perhaps the most 'difficult' and subsequently rewarding of all of the Johon Wetton solo studio albums I've heard so far. As good as 'Arkangel', but perhaps a shade richer in atmosphere, and with Wetton's prog-rock provenance really showing through this time. My only quibble is why did the femail singer on the closing track, 'Mighty Rivers'. not get a credit? Did she put a hot mug of tea on the grand piano or something? At least Robert Fripp, whose soundscapes at the beginning and end of the title track, gets a co-writer's credit, although his contribution is omitted from the who-played-what listings. His sin must have been that much less vile. Nevertheless, it's a fine album, swinging from hard rock, folky, prog and stadium with consumate ease. I loved it.

I think that John Wetton has one of best voices in rock. Heat of Moment is such an anthem and John's voice is instantly recognisable. Unfortunately (IMHO) not all of his solo output has matched the quality of the work he produced in King Crimson, UK and ASIA. Battlelines IS right up there - with maybe Arkangel not far behind. But sadly, not everyting else stands out - until now. This is a great, in your face, 'b*lls to the wall' effort. With able support from Billy Sherwood, Robert Fripp, Eddie Jobson, Steve Hackett, Steve Morse, Mick Box and..... the ever present Geoff Downes - this one is a very high class product!! I really hope John takes this one on the road - as far as Glasgow again - hopefully!!
Now for a little radio airplay and this should sell by the bucketload!!