Uriah Heep’s Wonderworld (1974) and High and Mighty (1976) get the picture disc reissue treatment.
Different in style as you could say the albums form a sort of transitional period for the band from the classic heavy prog/metal sound (Wonderworld) to a more straight ahead melodic-tinged style on High and Mighty.
Arguably brought about by line-up changes as Wonderworld was the final album which Gary Thain played on before his untimely passing with John Wetton coming in as Thain’s replacement sticking around for Return to Fantasy and High and Mighty – which was of course David Byron’s final album with Heep.
Wonderworld continued the fine run of albums which pushed Heep in to the big time. The trademark Ken Hensley swirling organs and keys combined with riffmaster general Mick Box’s guitar and David Byron’s remarkable vocals backed up by Thain’s melodic basslines and Lee Kerslake’s powerhouse drumming making quite the recipe for success.
The slow-burning title track showcasing Byron’s showcasing vocals, the thumping Suicidal Man, the hard rocking and catchy So Tired, a bluesy Something or Nothing and the progged-up Dreams being particular highlights.
A solid album which sold by the truckload reaching top 50 here in the UK and America amongst other places.
High and Mighty wasn’t as successful though still sold in respectable numbers with the slant towards leaving the heavy proggy stuff behind making more of a “traditional” heavy rock approach. Subsequently it is, in my opinion, an under-rated album though remains one of my favourite Heep albums.
One Way or Another a nice chunky opener with a nice riff and hook. Weep in Silence broodily atmospheric, Misty Eyes a catchy one also as is the rocking Can’t Keep a Good Band Down. Overall High and Mighty has much to offer if given the chance on its own merits.
Have a listen to One Way or Another for a taster:
The picture discs are quality. Nice good old fashioned chunky vinyl with one side reproducing the original front cover artwork and the other the reverse. Splendid stuff. More than a worthy addition to any Heep fan’s collection or indeed the collection of any vinyl buff.
Other versions remain available – CD, streaming etc. so if perhaps you’re reading this and not familiar with Uriah Heep pick up the CDs or stream to discover what a great band they were in the 1970s and indeed remain so this day. Their latest album – Chaos and Colour is a monster.
Order your picture discs or other preferred format from Amazon
Wonderworld
https://amzn.to/3OcC7Fn
High and Mighty
https://amzn.to/3BjFdzH
And a huge thank you to Matt from Savage Gringo PR for being kind enough to send review copies of the discs. Muchly appreciated. Check out what Matt does:
https://www.savagegringo.com