Description
Uriah Heep – Return To Fantasy – 180 Gram Vinyl Record
Return to Fantasy is an album by British rock band Uriah Heep, released in 1975. It marks the band’s eighth studio album and follows their successful ‘Wonderworld’ album from the previous year. Return to Fantasy finds Uriah Heep continuing to explore their signature blend of hard rock and progressive elements, combined with fantasy-themed lyrics and strong melodic hooks.
Return to Fantasy opens with the title track, which immediately sets a grandiose and theatrical tone that is prevalent throughout the album. The song features powerful vocals, dramatic keyboard flourishes, and driving guitar riffs, encapsulating the band’s flair for merging hard rock energy with a prog-rock complexity.
Aside from the title track, the album includes several standout songs:
‘Shady Lady’ – This track offers a robust, catchy riff and showcases the band’s rockier side, with a dynamic vocal performance and solid instrumental interplay.
‘Devil’s Daughter’ – Heavy and haunting, this song combines mystical lyrics with strong instrumental performances, creating a darker atmosphere that contrasts with some of the album’s lighter moments.
‘Beautiful Dream’ – Characterized by its lush harmonies and intricate arrangement, this track reflects the band’s progressive rock influences, featuring a more experimental approach to song structure and instrumentation.
‘Prima Donna’ – A more straightforward rock song, it includes catchy melodies and a vibrant performance, embodying the band’s knack for crafting accessible rock tunes that still offer a degree of complexity.
The album was produced by Gerry Bron, a collaborator who had a significant influence on Uriah Heep’s sound, helping to craft the lush and expansive sonic landscapes that the band is known for. The production on ‘Return to Fantasy’ captures the full spectrum of the band’s musical dynamics, from the heavy guitar riffs to the sweeping keyboard passages.
The musical style of Return to Fantasy is typical of Uriah Heep’s approach during the mid-1970s, combining elements of hard rock, progressive rock, and hints of glam rock. This mix allowed them to create a distinctive sound that was both ambitious and appealing to a broad audience.
Return to Fantasy was well-received at the time of its release, regarded as a strong continuation of the band’s established style and a worthy successor to their earlier albums. It performed well commercially, maintaining the band’s popularity in the UK and Europe and solidifying their status in the rock scene.
Over the years, Return to Fantasy has been appreciated for its craftsmanship and for capturing Uriah Heep at a creative peak. While it may not have reached the same iconic status as some of their other albums like ‘Demons and Wizards’ or ‘The Magician’s Birthday,’ it remains a significant part of Uriah Heep’s discography and is cherished by fans for its classic Heep sound and adventurous musical spirit.
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
Gatefold Jacket
Track Listing
Return To Fantasy
Shady Lady
Devil’s Daughter
Beautiful Dream
Prima Donna
Your Turn To Remember
Showdown
Why Did You Go
A Year Or A Day
