The City
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Is it true that this cassette tape is white? I've got a white cassette version, just wondering where this one stands.
Even the greatest artists have moments that fall short. This album is one of those instances for Vangelis. The concept of capturing a 'day in the life' of a 'City' could have been promising. Istanbul, Athens, Mumbai? Who knows, the City feels as indistinct as the music itself, generic and somewhat lifeless. When the tempo picks up, the melodies are certainly within Vangelis's capabilities, but the production feels uninspired, the tracks flow together without much interest, and (most disappointingly) he sticks close to the presets on his synths. Why did I buy this album? For tracks 5, 6, and 8, which, despite my complaints, are quite beautiful. 'Twilight' is so good it could have fit right in on 'El Greco'.
In my opinion, it's safe to assert that many of Vangelis' finest works were created in the 1970s and 1980s. However, this 1990 album is often overlooked, even by his dedicated followers. Sandwiched between Direct (1988) and his remarkable film score 1492: Conquest of Paradise (1992), The City is a concept album focused on urban existence, oscillating between dynamic and contemplative, offering around 45 minutes of superb electronic music. It features a smooth blend of Vangelis' signature sounds and ambient recordings like footsteps or a motorcycle engine starting. Rest assured, these ambient sounds don't exceed 5 minutes of the total duration. The City is also one of Vangelis' more jazz-influenced albums and is a pleasure to listen to. It could easily serve as a soundtrack for a documentary about urban life and its inhabitants in a bustling metropolis. Vangelis' unmatched ability to create vivid soundscapes, primarily through his synthesizers, is evident as The City concludes with 'Procession', a 9-minute track with a recurring melody and chorus that builds in intensity, with layers of instruments added, looping back to the ambient sounds from the opening track 'Dawn', as if another day is about to begin, possibly fresh, or perhaps more of the same. Standout tracks: 'Nerve Centre' - the album's most intense piece, a heavy rock-inspired track where Vangelis mimics the electric guitar with synthesizers. It's brilliantly arranged and leaves you feeling like you're witnessing a display of joyful fireworks. 'Good to See You' - arguably the album's best track, with a slow jazzy beat that makes you feel like you're taking an evening stroll along the sidewalk. One of Vangelis' most underappreciated compositions.
This album is a soothing collection of melodies, perfect for enjoying while reading a good book, having a nice dinner, or even drifting off to sleep. "Procession" stands out as my most beloved song in this entire album.
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