Search - Saga :: Generation 13

Perfection.

Kidamadeus | Warner-Robins, Georgia United States | 06/13/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Saga fans either love Generation 13, or they despise it. Personally, I think it is their masterwork...and it's unfortunate that few bands during the 90's had the testicular fortitude to pull something like this off.If you've read the song titles, you may have gathered that this is a concept album. While the storyline can be a bit vague at times, it is quite engaging: the story of the generation gaps between a baby-boomer father and his Gen-X son. This makes for the kind of recording that should be listened to once while reading the lyrics, a second time in the dark with headphones on, and then by the third pass the depth of the music will begin to reveal itself. While there is not the level of virtuoso performance that can be found in some of Saga's other works, the playing is far better than most other groups of the period. There is also a surprising amount of variety to this disk...at times dissonent and unsettling, at others majestic and rocking.The other thing that I find surprising about this CD is how it sounds like other groups through certain sections of music. At times the songs sound like Queensryche in one section, and be followed by something that sounds like Queen...or Pink Floyd...or Gamma...etc. But it is always done with Saga's unique flair. If you are a fan of progressive rock, you are probably familiar with Saga...and this may or may not be your cup of tea. A good comparison for the prog fan would be "The Visitor" by Arena, which is of similar style. Regardless, I feel that this is an essential addition to a good prog-rock collection, and quite possibly the best concept recording since Marillion's "Misplaced Childhood". Sam says "buy it!""

Concept album with some great moments

marzullo | Tampa, FL United States | 12/03/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"For Saga fans, this CD is a return of sorts to their heyday (1979-1983)--is say 'of sorts' because this is a concept album unlike anything they have created before. The only problem I have with 'Generation 13' is that a number of the songs/themes, though solid, moving pieces of music, are repeated. My personal favorite is 'No Strings Attached,' a mid-tempo, bluesy number with some great slide guitar. Other standouts are 'The Cross,' 'I'll Never Be Like You,' 'Chances Are,' 'The Victim,' and 'Screw 'Em.' I definitely recommend this album for anyone interested in modern, neo-prog ala Marillion or anyone who might remember the old Saga classics like 'Wind Him Up,' 'On The Loose,' and 'Catwalk.'"

Disappointing, but expected

Norman Schultz | Denver, CO | 02/05/2005

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I saw Saga go downhill after "Behavior" and this album clinches the deal. I could not find a *single* song that I thought was listenable, or anywhere near Saga's past talent.



Time and time again, Amazon reviews are only submitted by fans, leaving far too many good reviews and inflated ratings of everything. This is an example of that. It's so bad that I'm coining it the "Amazon.com effect" when I run into it in other things!"