Alan Parsons, an eleven-time Grammy nominated music icon has returned with the release of his latest studio album titled From the New World on Frontier Records.
The release follows his 2019 studio album The Secret which brought his 15 year music endeavor drought to a halt.
Parsons though is much more than just a musician releasing a new album. He has held the titles audio engineer, composer, musician, record producer and director.
The 73-year old music industry legend earned his first album credit on the Beatles’ 1969 Abbey Road album. Another impressive album credit comes from Pink Floyd’s 1973 release Dark Side of the Moon.
From the New World sees Parsons reaching back to the classic Alan Parsons Project sound. The first track, “Fare thee Well” and “Obstacles” take the listener back to the feel and sound of the 1982 release, Eye in the Sky.
With From the New World, Parsons gives the listeners pinches of progressive, symphonic and classic rock elements. Things Parsons is known for. Overall, the album has a softer sound that Parsons can pull off when others can’t. There’s gems scattered throughout and on From the New World.
Parsons enlisted several notable names for guest appearances who appear on the album. Two such names would be Tommy Shaw of Styx fame and guitarist / singer Joe Bonamassa.
Other musicians include David Pack from Ambrosia and James Durbin, a fourth place finisher in 2011’s American Idol.
When track three, “Uroboros” cues up, it’s immediately obvious that Shaw is handling the vocal duties with his distinctive voice. It transports the listener back to the classic Styx sound when Shaw would step up to the microphone.
Bonamassa’s work can be distinctly heard on “Give them My Love” which includes Durbin. The guitarist also appears on track seven, “I Don’t to Be Lead Astray” which has Pack handling vocals.
What may just be the big surprise on From the New World comes in at track 11, the album closer.
Parsons takes the listeners back to 1963 with a cover of “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes. It’s something that’s totally unexpected but executed in a pleasing way. Tabitha Fair handles the voice on the classic song as well track 6, “Obstacles.”
This album may not be for everyone but with the name Alan Parsons, i t should give potential listeners a hint of what to expect. One can’t go wrong putting and inserting anything Alan Parsons related into the music play device.
From the New World is a nice, pleasant release for when that time to unwind and relax is present. It allows the soul to just let go of the hustle and bustle of the busy day.
Even if one is new to the Parsons name or legacy, From the New World should be a new acquisition to the listening catalog.
From the New World will be available in formats. There’s the CD jewel case, CD / DVD, colored vinyl and a limited edition Luxury Box Set. The box set which will include a Live in Madrid CD, shirt, limited lithograph and other items.
Street date for the release of From the New World is Friday, July 15, 2022 through Frontier Records. Until then, a video for “Uroboros” will have to pacify fans.
