"Trust" is the 17th studio album in the discography of Canadian prog-rock band SAGA. There's no point in singing the praises of one of the most renowned progressive groups of our time. But it must be said that they have always been incredibly prolific. Between 2001 and 2006, these stage veterans released no fewer than 4 studio albums and one live record. All of them share stunningly beautiful music and the magnificent vocals of Michael Sadler (while listening, it's hard to believe that such a beautiful and melodic voice belongs to a man born in 1954), the superb Ian and Jim Crichton tearing up the strings, and keyboardist Jim Gilmour — all members of the band since the late 1970s.
"That's As Far As I'll Go" — from the very first notes, we hear only one thing: this music is perfection. An incredibly uplifting opener, a song with an instantly memorable melody and gorgeous bass and keyboard passages.
"Back To The Shadows" — slightly melancholic, packed with "proggy tricks," featuring magnificent guitar solos that are simply phenomenal toward the end and linger in your head long after.
"I'm OK" — soft vocals accompanied by keyboards alternate with a resonant chorus. At times Michael's voice takes on a very distinctive quality reminiscent of David Bowie. I also can't help but note the passage before the finale — the piano and guitar parts are superb.
"Time To Play" — a fairly straightforward song with a lighter instrumental arrangement, though the drummer has to work quite hard.
"My Friend" — an extraordinarily beautiful, at times plaintive ballad accompanied by acoustic guitar and keyboards.
"Trust" — forgive me, but this simply needs to be heard. The effect is something altogether otherworldly.
"It's Your Life" — stylistically, this composition brings us back to the very first track. A multi-instrumental soundscape with a recurring rhythm guitar part, and on top of it all, that same inimitable vocal.
"Footsteps In The Hall" — very reminiscent of Christmas songs. Unassuming and simple, but at the end we're treated to wonderful solos.
"Ice In The Rain" — of course this is subjective, but it may well be the best composition on the album. Brilliant from start to finish, the melody is fully memorized literally after the first listen. A hit, in a word — what more is there to say.
"You Were Right" — a brisk composition in the manner of old-school progressive, accompanied by piano passages.
"On The Other Side" — opens in the spirit of a Scottish folk tune. Calm and triumphant, it brings this brilliant record to a close.
What more can I say? Honestly, nothing more needs to be said! Before us is a masterpiece that is absolutely essential listening for anyone who loves melodic and technically complex rock music.