The Great Balloon Race

The first album to be released after John Williams' departure and over a year in the making, this is perhaps the most jazz-influenced of all Sky albums. The opening track by modern classical composer Tony Hymas doesn't fit the mood of the remaining tracks and is a jarring incongruity. Allegro, The Lady and the Imp, Caldando and Roleystone are pretty typical of many Sky compositions - workmanlike, tuneful, but nothing to write home about. Peter's Weddding (probably the least "Sky-like" track from all their recorded output) and the title track are two of the highlights for those who enjoy Herbie Flowers' humour, while "The Land" is definitely up among the best of their work, very evocative and atmospheric. The album closes with the obligatory "simple" piece, which certainly deserved to do better on its release as a single, although it's hardly dance music, is it?