January Album of the Month
I originally posted this Album of the Month review at the start of January, I was in bed with Covid at the time, but wanted to get my monthly album review done – and Magnum’s new release hooked me on first listen. 23 albums in and the band were still coming back with new, original material.
Since my original review post, we have all been shocked and deeply saddened by news of the passing of Tony Clarkin. I became an instant fan of the band when I bought ‘Wings of Heaven’ on CD in 1990. I stumbled across ‘Start Talking Love’ on the ‘Life in the Fast Lane’ compilation album and thought I’d give the band a go. From its first play, ‘Wings of Heaven’ blew me away. More than a rock album – the song writing, the arrangement, the sense of drama and ear for melody was so strong – and to this day it remains one of my favourite rock albums. That first listen of Wings started a 35-year journey for me following the band. For me, Magnum were a band that never quite got the mainstream chart and media recognition they deserved, but the musical legacy speaks for itself – the enduring quality of the music out-living fashion or whatever was ‘this week’s thing’ with the music media. I can’t think of another British rock band whose work-rate and catalogue has been quite so consistently impressive over such a long period of time. And having been fortunate to have met and interviewed the band seven times over the last decade, they are the epitome of warm, friendly and grounded people – with a lasting and sincere connection with their fan base.
I’ve slightly edited my original album review and the release of ‘Here Comes the Rain’ may prove to be a poignant moment for many fans. But I firmly believe the legacy and influence of Magnum’s music catalogue will live on forever in people’s hearts and minds.
GuyB
9 January 2024
With Magnum unleashing their 23rd album, ‘Here Comes The Rain’ is one of their strongest albums of recent years. Many still regard the mid 80’s trilogy of albums – Storyetellers, Vigilante and Wings of Heaven – as being among the band’s best, but ‘Here Comes The Rain’ underscores the fact the band is still creating with energy and purpose.
This is no mean feat for a band that has one of the most prolific work ethics in rock today. ‘Here Comes the Rain’ has an emphatic feeling of freshness about it. Magnum’s signature of rousing and uplifting melodic rock is here in spades, the songs have great energy, Bob Catley’s vocal performances are full of life, there are plenty of hooks and riffs for the rockers – and the keys have never sounded better. There are moments on the new album that reminded me of Vigilante, Sleepwalking and Storyteller’s Night, but there are new twists and surprises too. Well-written, well-played and well-engineered – this album is the complete package.
Rather than do a track-by-track, this is one of those albums that should be enjoyed as a whole from start to finish as a single body of work, the music once again framed by the distinctive cover artwork by Rodney Matthews. In the age of young rockers focusing on videos, shares and likes for single releases and EPs, Magnum remind us about the true art of an album; a statement, a piece of art, the sum being greater than the parts.
My overall impression of ‘Here Comes The Rain’ is that, over a run of tracks, Magnum serve up their blissful signature of stirring melodic rock. Music to lift you, to inspire you and to bring people together. ‘Some Kind of Treachery’ took me right back to Storytellers Night – a different song but that balance between tender, almost pictorial verses and rousing anthemic choruses works so well together. The piano on the track is also first class.
A couple of tracks have already landed well as radio singles – and with ‘Blue Tango’ there’s a punchy earthy riff that reminds us that Magnum can rock heavy as well as anyone – a track that reminded me a little bit of ‘Tell Tale Eyes’ from the ‘Rock Art’ album.
Throughout the album, Bob Catley is on top form with the vocal performances. It also feels like he’s ten years younger. Great range, great light and shade. A vocal of full of heart and soul.
On ‘Lost On The Road To Eternity’ we had an orchestral arrangement – and here for ‘Seventh Darkness’ we have a horn section which gives real swagger and sense of fun to a great song. After all these years, the band is still pushing boundaries and innovating.
‘Broken City’ is a special song. Blending the band’s track record for beautiful stripped-back ballads and anti-conflict songs – here comes a beautiful new track. A haunting, emotional lament, wonderfully sung by Bob with great lyrics by Tony that paint pictures; “worlds are on fire, dark neighbourhood.” The strength of this song is the control in holding the moment, there’s nothing more on it than is needed. Hugely powerful. Sometimes it’s the quieter songs that roar like a lion.
‘Broken City’ counterpoints marvellously with the muscular ‘I Wanna Live’ which follows – an anthem for enduring and overcoming. Wonderful keys on the song.
The album closes with ‘Borderline’ which sounds both fresh and yet is also classic Magnum.
In the Magnum canon, ‘Here Comes The Rain’ stands proudly in the company of Storytellers, Vigilante and Wings of Heaven. With Clarkin’s writing and Catley’s voice, this new album celebrates one of the most remarkable recording partnerships in rock history. Even after all these years, Magnum still have something to say. Their commitment to delivering new songs for their fans is second to none – but it’s the consistency and quality of what they deliver that stands them out as one of the defining bands in British rock.
Exclusive CD/LP Bundles with a shirt only at the Steamhammer shop
Pre-Order from:
https://napalmrecords.com/english/magnum-here-comes-the-rain-box.html
https://magnum.lnk.to/HereComesTheRain
Magnum are: Tony Clarkin – Guitar, Bob Catley – Vocals , Rick Benton – Keyboards, Dennis Ward – Bass , Lee Morris – Drums
Listen Again: Magnum interviews from the Great Music Stories archive
The Tour Bus To Eternity: Full band interview 2018
https://greatmusicstories.com/2018/01/15/feature-interview-magnum-the-tour-bus-to-eternity/
Al Barrow Interview
https://greatmusicstories.com/2018/11/15/feature-interview-magnum-al-barrow/
Bob Catley Interview 2016
https://greatmusicstories.com/2017/03/10/feature-interview-the-magnum-trilogy/
The Magnum Story 2015
https://greatmusicstories.com/2016/11/24/feature-interview-the-magnum-story/
