Search - Marillion :: Holidays In Eden

Don't be scared.. You might even like it...

Daniel J. Ware | Albuquerque, nm United States | 01/17/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Holidays in Eden is often slagged by tried and true Marillion fans, but I submit to you that while it's not their best, it still is a great recording. Holidays finds Marillion and Steve Hogarth still shaking off ghosts from the past, Marillion's being ex-leader Fish and H's being his pop music roots. What we have here is what many snobby fan's consider Marillion's first true attempt at mainstream pop, but in reality, I find it a good if sometimes rough blending of Marillion's hard, proggy sound, and H's leanings toward pop. Many tracks on this CD bear mentioning. The title track, the ending trilogy, and little gems like No One Can and Waiting to Happen, which for me, made their way onto many a girlfriend's mix tape. The mood of this CD is very dark, especially if you listen closely to The Party, The Collection and again, the title track.The bonus CD gives us a glimps at how these songs formed and even a listen to H's pop sound. This CD is well worth the money and the time.."

More commercial, but timeless: one of my Marillion favorites

Manny Hernandez | Bay Area, CA | 07/01/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was a transition album for me in many ways. I was starting to "come out" of a prog rock period, so to speak, during which I'd only listen to this type of music, so, if you compare this work with the first Marillion album with Steve Hogarth and furthermore, with their music with Fish, understandably the more commercial line of this album shock me in the beginning. As a matter of fact, it made me decide (something that I still regret) not to go to their concert (the one time they were visiting Venezuela, where I used to live).Today, it's been almost fifteen years since the original release (this is a remastered version, well worth the extra bucks, BTW), and I realize that the album's sound remains fresh as it was back then, and they've evolved as a band, to the point of having found a sound that defines their very essence, unlike any other prog band around. With only two weaker tunes (the title track and "This Town") the album resounds as a loud and clear musical statement, from the opening "Splintering Heart", through the classic "Cover My Eyes" (which you can enjoy here in the original version and a splendid acoustic rendition to be found on disc two), all the way into the closing "100 Nights", leaving you with a feel that you did the right thing... Indeed, after years of following them through their ups and downs (which they've had their fair share of), I can say without a doubt, that 'Holidays in Eden' stands as one of their most solid productions. If you want to enjoy the best Marillion there has been with Steve Hogarth at the wheel, check out 'Brave' and don't skip their 'Marbles' which came out earlier in 2004. For some good Fish-period music, don't go on one more day without 'Misplaced Childhood' or 'Clutching at Straws'."

Alittle for Everyone

Mawgojzeta | Wisconsin | 01/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Let's start with SPLINTERING HEART- amazing to me, but maybe because I can personally relate. It is an "aching" song that builds into a roar. COVER MY EYES is pretty pop, but it is the song that hooked my friend and now she is a fan. THE PARTY is about a girl going to a party and what happens there- sounds pretty dumb, but it just gets you. It is not a fun, poppy song, but a serious description of a girl's experiences. NO ONE CAN is a nice love song. HOLIDAYS IN EDEN is pretty rock- could have seen this one on the radio. DRY LAND is a "wanting to love you" love song. I love the lyrics and the metaphor used. WAITING TO HAPPEN is a beautiful song- a great love song- not too bouncy, more real- here are some lyrics "We took ourselves apart-We talked about our faces-You said you didn't like yours
I said I disagree..." I want someone to sing that song to me one day!!! THIS TOWN, RAKES PROGRESS, 100 NIGHTS- the triliogy -- Incredible! I can see the song, the events, in my head like some sort of movie or evening soap opera!I will not say this is their best H era Marillion album, but some days it is the best one for me."