Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s Music In Review (2007): A Rock Odyssey That Still Kicks
Let’s cut to the chase: if you’re into brainy, sprawling rock that doesn’t just sit still and behave itself, Emerson, Lake & Palmer’s Music In Review is worth your time. Released in 2007 by Ragnarock Films Ltd (yeah, it’s European—what did you expect?), this album dives headfirst into math rock, symphonic rock, and prog rock like a caffeinated mad scientist. It’s not perfect, but dang if it isn’t memorable.
Now, let me break down two tracks that stuck with me because they felt like a weird mix of genius and chaos—kinda like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube while listening to Beethoven.
First up, there’s “RTBF 1970 TV Special.” This one feels like stepping into a time machine that got hijacked by aliens who love jazz keyboards. The track has all the hallmarks of ELP’s signature style: Keith Emerson’s keyboard wizardry going full throttle, Carl Palmer drumming like his life depends on it, and Greg Lake grounding everything with his smooth-as-butter vocals. What makes this track unforgettable? Probably how unapologetically bonkers it gets halfway through. There’s a moment where the tempo shifts so abruptly, I nearly spilled my coffee. You don’t hear music like this every day—it’s like watching an action movie directed by someone who can’t decide between explosions or poetry readings.
Then there’s the titular track, “Music In Review,” which sounds exactly like what happens when three dudes with massive egos try to summarize their careers in under ten minutes. Spoiler alert: it works. The song builds layer upon layer of sound until you’re drowning in lush harmonies and intricate rhythms. It’s almost too much at times, but hey, isn’t that what prog rock is all about? Overthinking things till your brain melts? At one point, I swear I heard a riff that sounded suspiciously like something from a video game boss fight. And honestly? I’m here for it.
What strikes me most about Music In Review is how it refuses to play it safe. These guys could’ve phoned it in back in 2007, but instead, they delivered an album that feels alive—even if it occasionally veers off the rails. Sure, some parts are overly complicated, and yeah, you might need a degree in music theory to fully appreciate the nuances, but who cares? Sometimes art should be messy and ambitious and leave you scratching your head.
Here’s the kicker though: as much as I enjoyed revisiting these tracks, I couldn’t help thinking… why aren’t more bands doing stuff like this today? Like, imagine TikTok influencers making content around songs this wild. Would anyone even know what to do with themselves?
So yeah, give Music In Review a spin if you want to experience rock music that challenges your ears and maybe even your patience. Just don’t blame me if you start hearing keyboard solos in your sleep.
