Prog Radio | Album Review | ''The Boy'' by John Greenwood

Album Review

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Stars

The Boy

John Greenwood

779

Australia

Listeners of Prog Radio know we’re big fans of Mark Trueack and Sean Timms, along with their many bands and projects (Unitopia, UPF, Southern Empire, Damanek, etc.). What some may not realize is that another key player in this circle also deserves attention: guitarist John Greenwood. With a fascinating background as a prominent surgeon who retired in 2020, Greenwood has since devoted his time and resources to pursuing his musical dreams. As lead guitarist for Unitopia, he was an integral part of the formidable writing team responsible for this year’s 5-Star "Seven Chambers" album.

Greenwood’s second solo album, "The Boy," released on September 30, 2024, is an ambitious concept piece that tells the story of a young protagonist aspiring to become an astronaut while grappling with the challenges of a family farm struggling under the weight of climate change. The album unfolds as a single 44-minute track divided into six movements, each exploring different facets of the boy’s life and dreams.

The orchestral elements are reminiscent of The Moody Blues... Imagine blending "Seven Chambers" with "Days of Future Passed," and you have a pretty good idea of what listeners are in store for.

The music is rich and diverse, blending orchestral arrangements with Greenwood's expressive guitar work. Highlights include Emma Bartsch, Greenwood's daughter, who delivers heartfelt lead vocals as 'The Girl' and 'The Mother,' and actor Mark Addy (Game of Thrones, The Full Monty), whose narration adds depth to the storytelling without getting in the way of the musical journey. The album also features stellar contributions from Sean Timms on keyboards, Steve Unruh on violin and flute, and Simon Phillips on drums.

"The Boy" shines with its cohesive narrative and expert musical execution. The orchestral elements are reminiscent of The Moody Blues, and Greenwood seamlessly blends various musical styles while keeping the album accessible and engaging. Imagine blending "Seven Chambers" with "Days of Future Passed," and you have a pretty good idea of what listeners are in store for.

I absolutely love this album. It's a compelling blend of storytelling and musicianship that will undoubtedly capture listeners’ attention. Prog Radio is thrilled to feature tracks from this exceptional album in our new music rotation in both The Crimson Hall and The Wizard’s Forest, and will highlight it during Monday’s "What’s New Proggy Cats?“ broadcast.

5 Stars