Terry Draper
The Other Side
Magentalane Music
For my money, Klaatu did not release enough albums. Terry Draper, however, is doing his best to make up for that. One third of Klaatu, he is remarkably prolific. In 2020 he released two albums (Sunset On Mars and Lost), and here in 2021 he continues to put out consistently brilliant albums. The Other Side, to me, seems to be part of a trilogy that started with Sunset On Mars. Musically, and thematically they all fit together.
One of the best things about The Other Side is the diversity of music found in the package, from straight, go ahead pop on lead single “Heaven”, to rock on “Soldiers of Misfortune” , to ballads as in “Marie And I”, then finally to prog rock on “Are We Alone”. Once the album gets started, one is not really sure where Draper is taking us which makes for interesting listening. The fact that he excels at all points makes it that much more enjoyable.
His ability to write infectious melodies has always been one of his strengths. These songs become embedded in your head very quickly. Draper also arranges his music, and utilizes spoken word and characters to bring the songs to life. “Island Time”, which features Keith Hampshire, “The Colonel”, which is about Percey Fawcett, an explorer who simply disappeared, and “Sheet Music” are examples of songs in which Draper incorporates little bits of dialogue, which is never overused and is perfect for the particular songs.
Although all the songs are quite brilliant, it is the last four of the album that make The Other Side absolutely essential. The beautiful, and moving “Follow Your Dreams” gives way to the title track, which is an incredible work. “The Colonel” is a wonderful story. He has outdone himself, however, with “Are We Alone”, where he revisits “Calling Occupants Of Interplanetary Craft”. Here Draper is questioning, “If I suspend the skeptic that lives inside of me,” he sings, “Perhaps I will have a visitation and at last I’ll see”. It is honest, emotional and extremely powerful. It serves as an interesting bookend, given the first Klaatu album opened with “Calling Occupants…” and this album closes with “Are We Alone”.
The Other Side is an incredible album full of strong tunes and intelligent lyrics. Also some fun thrown in for good measure. How can one not smile while listening to “Island Time”? Draper has come up with an album that brings everything wonderful about him into one album. It is a future classic.
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