After their remarkable debut album Heroes Saints and Fools (review here), Saracen disappeared for a bit, underwent a wholesale line-up change and re-appeared in 1984 with their second album – Change of Heart.
Crucially, the Bendelows’ had gone, however some of Rob’s songs appear on the album. Perhaps it was the line-up change or perhaps it was a distinct decision by the band to move in to more “mainstream” New Wave of British Heavy Metal territory (or perhaps both) – Change of Heart loses most of the spacey/proggy elements of the debut and is, overall, more of a straight-ahead style with AOR tinges.
A re-worked version of We Have Arrived opens it up (also the opener on Red Sky). Bettney’s vocals are as usual sharp, powerful and clear. Love on Sight is a no frills rocker. Julie – hmmmmm – not good. Could have been a misplaced attempt to shoot for a radio-friendly hit single. Doesn’t work for me. Seabird is quite good though.
Next up we have Meet Me at Midnight (credited to Rob Bendelow) and things step back up. A fine cut which drives along well. And would later appear in slightly different shape on the band’s storming Vox in Excelso album.
Jekyll and Hyde (also on the debut) shows up again slightly reworked. Just over three minutes of “in yer face” rifferama and an excellent solo. Powerful stuff.
Cheatin’ is not too far away from what Judas Priest used to score with Take on the World with the thumping drums and Hot Love is fun evidencing the more mainstream NWOBHM approach referred to earlier. Have a listen to Hot Love and see what you think. Rocks along well wouldn’t you say?
However – to demonstrate Saracen had not turned in to predictability, they came up with Seabird and Bridge of Tears. Emotional, sensitive ballad types with feeling and well-constructed.
Whilst Change of Heart is a different style to the debut album, Saracen overcame the leaving of Rob Bendelow to come back with a second album which does hit the spot, shows versatility and an ability to switch between the proggy epic to straight ahead NWOBHM to soulful ballad.
It’s fine stuff and a recommended listen – though it may take a few spins to sink it. Afford it that courtesy and enjoy.
>> SARACEN CHANGE OF HEART ON AMAZON HERE <<
Please support us and buy us a coffee:
