Drama/The Buggles?
In some ways yes. Drama was a good album however both albums from The Buggles were not to my listening preference now and back then. Plastic, shiny, futuristic synth pop/new wave/prog pop. A prelude to the sound that would dominate the early/mid '80's...sadly.
I can hear both Drama and to a lesser degree, the pompous pop production that Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes produced with The Buggles. However, credit is due when credit is deserved as both producers don't put Steve Howe and Chris Squire in the shadows as has happened on some occassions in earlier incarnations of the band, most notably in the '90's. From what I hear, Howe is the show on this album with Squire not far behind as both are allowed to shine.
Downes' keyboards take a back seat and are basically a back drop on most tracks though there is the occasion spot light placed on him. A good decision. Alan White's drums are basically irrelevent. I guess it was his turn to be in shadows this time around.
IMO, David Benoit does a pretty good job. Hell, can one really compare him to Jon Anderson? Yes and no. Though very similar in vocal sound and style his vocals become somewhat become monotonous and don't have the inspiration and range that Anderson's has. Not easy coming in to fill those big shoes. He does an admiral job.
Well worth the $5 for the download but I wouldn't put out $15-20 for the CD. Disappointed? No, not really though I didn't have big expectations to begin with.
