Search - Michael Schenker :: In the Midst of Beauty

Michael's Best In A Decade

"The Woj" | Downers Grove, IL | 06/04/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

""In The Midst Of Beauty" is arguably Michael's best album in a decade.

His playing hasn't sounded this good since the UFO album "Walk On Water". Great songs and melodies with plenty of riffs, lead fills and solos from Schenker to keep you coming back for more. I have never been a fan of Barden's vocals and lyrics, but he steps it up big time here. Sure Barden's no Paul Rodgers or Glenn Hughes, but his spoken/sung vocal style and overall tone compliment Michael's riffage perfectly. Finally, the production and sound quality are top notch. No more of the transistorized, sterile feel of the "Endless Jam" projects. "In The Midst Of Beauty" has a spontaneous, live feel which has been missing from Michael's last few albums. "Midst" is a must have for any Michael Schenker or UFO fan."

Poor production!

james gallagher | naples, florida | 06/19/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"like all old msg fans, i wanted this album to be a classic like the first two, way back in the early eighties. it's definitely not a classic, but it isn't horrible either.



the songs are ok, (even catchy) i find myself singing some of the chorus' to myself at work. the musicians are top notch, and i don't think that gary barden sounds bad singing in a lower key.



the thing that really bothers me about this record is the overall sound. i think gary's voice comes through loud and clear, the drums sound very good, and the other instruments sound alright but everything together sounds cluttered.



michael's guitar sound is bad! the songs sound rushed and undeveloped, and i think they need to use an engineer like mike clink and a producer like ron nevison or martin birch.



i'm saying this as a 32 year fan of ufo and michael schenker. if you listen to any of the ufo records from the 70's or even the first three msg albums, some of the sound quality was poor but the producers seemed to encourage michael to cut loose and really jam.



if you listen to ufo's "walk on water" album it's clear to see he still has the fire, but i think he needs the right person to put everything into its proper place."

5 Stars...not sure about that, but it is growing on me!!

JP | Macon, GA | 06/02/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Compared to "Written in the Sand" and "The Unforgiven" this is 3 stars, maybe 4!! I really wish I could give it 3 1/2 because I feel bad giving it 3 but, based on the Schenker albums I WOULD give 4 stars to...this isn't one of them.



I have been listening to MS since 1976 and he is one of my 5 all-time favorite guitarists but I simply don't see how anyone could give this 5 stars!! To me it's very bland - very generic and I also disagree with those who say this is better that "Tales of Rock n Roll" and "Be Aware of Scorpions"; I might give'em "Tales" don't know yet, only time will tell, it is growing on me some. But, no matter how many times I listen to it I don't think I'll ever find myself saying it's better than "Be Aware of Scorpions". In my humble opinion (excluding the classic early 80 releases) that one's 3rd only to "Written in the Sand" and "The Unforgiven".



But - does that mean I'm gonna stop listening to it? NO - it's still Schenker after all and, as mentioned, it's growing on me.....something Arachnophobiac never did, and neither did any of the McCawley/Schenker hairmetal poser stuff (with the single exception of the song Save Yourself)!



As for the songs themselves - "City Lights" and "End of the line" caught my ear immediately and "I want you", "Wings of emotion", "The cross of crosses" and "I am the one" are the songs that are growing on me!



But, in hindsight, it probably has a lot to do with the fact that I always liked Gary Barden and, especially after hearing Airey and Murray were with him, I had my hopes up pretty high, which made the letdown that much worse!!



For now I wish he'd do whatever he needs to do to come out with another album on par with Written in the Sand and The Unforgiven. AND come to the south for the first time in almost 20 years because I'll definitely be there!!"