Amidst the punk and new wave sounds that were beginning to flood the music world in the late seventies sounds that would last about as long as a lollipop outside a school, especially the former many artists and groups still emerged, softening and bringing a touch of sanity to rock music with albums that exuded class and quality. One of these bands was Barclay James Harvest, who in 1977 released one of the most beautiful albums of the latter part of that decade.
However, in this album, "Gone To Earth", their seventh studio album, a stylistic shift towards more commercial territory was already evident, albeit subtly, without losing an iota of their progressive essence, even incorporating folk-like sounds. From its iconic cover, one of the most beautiful of that decade, the band perfectly reflected the atmospheric music, with its dazzling progressions, that lay within. An album containing one of BJH's most emblematic tracks, "Hymn," a beautiful song against the dangers of drug use, sublimely performed by the entire band, but with John Lees' twelve-string guitar and irresistible vocals standing out. In a similar melodic vein is the atmospheric "Taking Me Higher", while "Friend Of Mine" leaves us with a country-rock aftertaste reminiscent of The Eagles. The beautiful, ethereal melody of "Love Is Like A Violin" gives way to the serene and cosmic "Sea Of Tranquility", the solid and melodic rock of "Hard Hearted Woman", the enchanting melody of "Spirit On The Water", and the progressive rock of "Leper's Song".
While "Poor's Moody Blues," inspired by the Moody Blues' famous song "Nights in White Satin", was a resounding response to the constant criticism from British critics comparing it to a poor imitation of the Moody Blues, John Lees stripped the original song down to its basic chords and, while maintaining the structure, reconstructed a different version, which became one of his biggest hits.
"Gone to Earth" achieved sales exceeding one million copies worldwide and simultaneously holds one of the top spots on the German charts for the longest-running albums, spending 197 consecutive weeks on the charts. It is also considered one of the hidden gems of progressive pop-rock and is revered by European progheads.
