CAMEL - Breathless (1978-2013) SHM-CD / FLAC (image+.cue), lossless

With Rain Dances, Camel began exploring shorter, more concise songs, but it wasn't until its follow-up, Breathless, that they truly made a stab at writing pop songs. Although they didn't completely abandon improvisational prog rock – there are several fine, jazzy interludes – most of the record is comprised of shorter songs designed for radio play. While the group didn't quite achieve that goal, Breathless is nevertheless a more accessible record than Camel's other albums, which tend to focus on instrumentals. Here, they try to be a straightforward prog rock band, and while the results are occasionally a little muddled, it is on the whole surprisingly successful. by Daevid Jehnzen

Tracklist:

1. Breathless

2. Echoes

3. Wing and Prayer

4. Down on the Farm

5. Starlight Ride

6. Summer Lightening

7. You Make me Smile

8. The Sleeper

9. Rainbow's End