Not so epic this time around
Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 03/08/2008
(4 out of 5 stars)
"2004's Return to Evermore is the first Ten album not to feature guitarist Vinny Burns. I'm not sure what role his departure played into things, but Return to Evermore marks a sharp turn away from the epic conceptual style of The Robe and Babylon and towards the AOR-leaning sound of Ten's early albums.
Return to Evermore still has its share of epic rockers (Apparition, Evil's On Top of the World, and album closer Tearing My Heart Out come to mind), but the album's emphasis is more on commercially accessible (a relative term, considering it's been about 20 years since this kind of music was on radio/MTV) AOR love songs. I prefer the heavier stuff, but even I have to admit that Gary Hughes sure knows his way around a power ballad.
If you're more a fan of Ten's heavier concept albums, Return to Evermore is probably going to be something of a letdown. If you've been wishing for a return to the Ten/The Name of the Rose sound, it will put a smile on your face. Either way, there's enough great material here that no true Ten fan will be totally disappointed.
NOTE: There are a couple different versions of Return to Evermore available. The Japanese version includes a bonus track called It's You I Adore, yet another ballad, this time with an almost operatic/theatric style."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1
