Return to Forever: Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy (1973)

Return to Forever's Hymn of the Seventh Galaxy just might be the quintessential "fusion" album. Hymn was certainly one of the best of the early 70's, is it their best? well it is certainly the equal of Romantic Warrior.

 Though Hymn is rougher around the edges and less produced, the music also seems less composed and more improvised on the spot.

Guitarist Bill Connors who only appeared on Hymn, then left for an acoustic solo career.

He was replaced by the Firebrand Al Di Meola. I love Di Meola believe me, but Bill Connors has a sound that is more in line with say the style of John McLaughlin, more Jazz and less rock if you will. But oh can Bill Connors play some electric guitar, I mean he is killing it on this album, his heavy fuzz sound is perfect for the raw under produced sound.

 Don't get me wrong. the production doesn't sound bad, but the mix IS a little thin, I have The U.S. and German issues on vinyl ( pictured), as well the CD. All 3 recordings have that same sound, I don't know if this album can be remastered any better, but it would be an interesting listen.

Hymn is one of those albums where no weak link is evident, "Captain Senor Mouse" is a perfect driving around with the top down song,

"After the Cosmic Rain" has fantastic slithery intro, "Theme to the Mothership" also has a driving around quality. This is a track where you notice a few spots where things just about break apart, but pick back up in fine fashion.

Stanley Clarke on Bass, Lenny White on Drums, Chick Corea on Piano, and Bill Connors on Guitar, I do think this is the best RTF album. Did you ever wonder what it would have sounded like if Saxophonist Joe Farrell would have stayed on board after Flora Purim and Airto left?