The Family Album (1987)
| Rick's Perspective |
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| Notes |
| An album that I can't play now as it is full of so much sadness for me. When it was first recorded it was all about everybody in my family and life that meant everything to me. Now, many have passed on or have proven not to be the great loves I believed them to be at the time. Knowing what I know now I would never have made this album. |
| Wakey's Verdict |
| A mistake, although not at the time. |
| Little Known Trivia |
| The piece written for Jemma was originally called Jump and Dance and was a song I wrote and played for her as a little girl to dance to. She loved it and I would play it for her every night before she went to bed. |
| Reviews |
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Henry Kujawa on 12th January 2018 [Other reviews] I bought my first CD player a bit late, in June 1991. The day I got it, I also got my first 3 RW CDs-- ZODIAQUE, A SUITE OF GODS, and THE FAMILY ALBUM. While all 3 were listed as "New Age", ", I'm not sure this instrumental piano collection fit that description. This has long been a favorite of mine. "Black Beauty" opens the album with quiet magic. "Adam" continues with a really beautiful melody. "Jemma" paints a musical picture of unpredictable high energy interspersed with catching of breaths. This, along with "Oliver" (a more mid-tempo "dignified" energy) and "Wiggles" (high-speed frantic running in circles) are my 3 favorite tracks. I included them on a custom comp of my favorite RW songs. In addition, the romantic-yet-melancholy "The Day After The Fair" inspired me to watch the rather sad TV-movie it was the theme song from. |
Roberto Ugalde on 1st November 2003 [Other reviews] One of my favorite CDs from the maestro. It is full of musical textures, ranging from slow moody tempos to fast upbeat phrases. Wakeman's writing trademark abound in every song... slowly constructing melodic themes, then making variations and finally resolving each song with beautiful mastery. It was very interesting (altogeteher highly shocking) to read Mr. Wakeman's opinion on the album, which tells how big of a sensitive genius he is. Thank you for the music! |
Bjorn Olaf Syvertsen on 4th December 1997 [Other reviews] This album is very nice.It contains pleasant music perfect for relaxation. And the concept of portraying the family musically is also quite sympathetic. Especially Rick's wife Nina is portrayed by a very nice piece of music. |
Ed Torres on 27th November 1997 [Other reviews] What I like most about it is that it breathes! Mr. Wakeman really knows when to lay back and allow the picturesque images and mood his playing is putting forth to come into the foreground. We all know that at any given moment he could treat parts in the music really aggressively but only a true master like Mr. Wakeman can keep the balance of both in total control! |
Mats Landstrom on 24th September 1997 [Other reviews] Warning! See my review of Zodiaque. |
Denilson Neves Rampin on 23rd June 1997 [Other reviews] These songs are real musical pictures. Inspired by his family and pets pictures, Rick recreates great pieces of art with sour notes revealing his love and care for his dearest relatives. |