I'll Never Be Like You (Once Again) (Saga, 1995)

The Canadian band Saga are among the most prolific prog artists ever, with more than 20 studio albums to date. They're also a very eclectic act, always looking for something new, and exploring such different worlds as hard progressive, neo-prog and arena rock, just to mention a few of them. This song, for example, taken from the "Generation 13" album, shows the easy-prog side of Saga. It's a ballad full of tension, based on a beautiful melody and featuring a rich orchestral arrangement.

I think this is one of the best albums is Saga's discography.

This one is never too pomp or intrusive, on the contrary it adds kind of more pathos to the song. Of course, "I'll Be Never Like You (Once Again)" is part of a concept album including 18 tracks and it should be better to listen to it in its own frame, but it's also a stand alone song, with a special, distinctive taste. If you want my opinion, try both the track and the album...

One Small Step (Saga, 1995)

This Canadian band, whose main quality is the eclectic approach to prog music, tried many times to release a fully enjoyable album and finally succeeded in 1995 with "The 13th Generation" intricated concept. This song, in particular, perfectly shows the group's rich and varied musical palette. The rock opera mood of this mini-suite including three movements is clear and underlined by emphatic vocals, very good guitar riffs and a variety of orchestral arrangements.

This concept album features 18 chapters.

Like in a film soundtrack, many different atmospheres follow one another, but the recurring themes and a clever architecture give to the track a merry and coherent personality. The vocal harmonies are also good as well as the always changing rythm. An unusual song, even for the unpredictable prog rock scene, but a very good one I appreciate more and more.