Review Summary: Camel's weakest effort....unfortunately.
''The Single Factor'' was Camel's decision to follow a more poppish/commercial direction in order to attract a wider audience. Unfortunately, the record fails to capture the magic presented by the band in its early days. The title refers to Andrew Latimer being the sole remaining member of the original classic line-up, but even with that in mind, it cannot be considered a piece worth more than average.
The particular elements that are present on the album are the heavy use of synthesizers and the addition of more vocals. The songs also follow a more common verse/chorus/verse/chorus/bridge form than many previous Camel works. It is recognisable that the band has abandonded their progressive compositions. There are some good solos by Latimer, but the vocals are not significant (the band has never been known for having members with abilities to sing good, mainly because, they focus on making melodic creations instead of rock songs with lead singing).
Nevertheless, the album has some pretty good songs as well. Three to four pieces that are astonishing. Don't get me wrong. I love Camel, but this has to be their weakest album. If you are new to the band, you should first try out their four early masterpieces (1973 - 1976).
Recommended tracks from the record:
- No Easy Answer
- Selva
- Today's Goodbye
- End Peace
Reading up on all the circumstances surrounding it, I get why it is what is is though...
