Nektar-Magic Is A Child (1977)

Shortly after releasing their sixth album, "Recycled" (1975), the British band Nektar suffered their first departure. Their principal songwriter, guitarist Roye Albrighton, left the group, refusing to relocate to the United States like the rest of his bandmates. From then on, the band attempted to cling to the progressive and magical essence of their early style with a new guitarist, American Dave Nelson. Nelson, along with Alan Freeman (keyboards, synthesizer, and vocals), Derek Moore (bass and vocals), and Ron Howden (drums), tackled a new album, which also featured Larry Fast on synthesizers, Robert Fripp on guitar, and a string quartet. This new work continued to showcase the band's signature sinuous and ingenious arrangements, exquisite vocal harmonies, atmospheric keyboards, and a harder rock guitar sound than usual. However, the musical direction becomes more accessible, without ever becoming mainstream or commercial, but rather a kind of catchy and appealing progressive rock for a wide audience. Hard rock tracks like "Midnight Lite" and "Train From Nowhere" are followed by intense cuts with progressive elements such as "Listen", "Away From Asgard", and "Magic Is A Child", the latter a beautiful melody featuring a memorable harpsichord and string quartet. With "Magic Is A Child", the British band created another of their memorable albums, adding to their extensive and brilliant discography.