Vangelis - Direct (Album Review)

Unofficial website

Originally released: 1988
Remaster: 2013
Label: Esoteric Recordings / Cherry Red Records

Greek composer and musician Vangelis is an icon in music. Her composed timeless electronic music and captivating movie soundtracks, like Blade Runner, 1492 Conquest of Paradise, Chariots of Fire and Alexander. In his music, he has always been very versatile. But there is one album in his discography, that truly stands out in many ways: Direct. It meant several changes for Vangelis, moving back to his native country and a different approach in compaoing and recording. The result is a stellar album that 25 years later hasn't lost anything of its beauty and power.

Tracklisting
1. The Motion of Stars
2. The Will of the Wind
3. Metallic Rain
4. Elsewhere
5. Dial Out
6. Glorianna (Hymn a la Femme)
7. Rotation's Logic
8. The Oraclke of Apollo
9. Message
10. Ave
11. First Approach
12. Intergalactic Radio Station

Line Up
Vangelis - All instruments
Markella Hatziano - Vocals on Glorianna (Hymn a la Femme)
Casey Young - Vocals on Intergalactic Radio Station

All samples used in this review
Courtesy Esoteric Recordings / Cherry Red Records ©2013
Used with kind permission

This review ©2010-2014 Live Prog
All rights reserved

[LouiePlaysDrums]

GREAT review on Vangelis's "Direct". I also bought the album when it came out in 1988. It's one of my all-time favorite Vangelis albums. While "Direct" is a great album, my number one favorite Vangelis album would have to be "Opera Sauvage". Beautiful album especially the track called "Reve".

[gilesharris]

Well worthy!!! great accompaniment to me studying for pre med school A levels in 1989-1990

[ninastuart]

I also bought Direct in 1988 after watching Blade Runner on repeat on VHS to listen to the soundtrack. I bought this album on tape and it blew me away too. The will of the wind/ Metallic rain and Message/ IRS also firm favourites. Gloriana hurts my ears a bit🙂 I've since bought the album on LP and CD (with no Message/ Intergalactic Radio Station 😢) and the remaster. It is a shame there is no film of Vangelis playing live recording the album, that would have been incredible to watch

[thejollyjoker]

One of my 3 best Vangelis albums.The others are the Blade Runner ost and El Greco. You forgot to mention the similarities of "Metallic Rain" with "Alpha" from Albedo 0.39, both in composition and orchestration. One musician friend of mine once said to me that Metallic Rain could easily be entitled "Alpha, part two".

[timdowns]

I brought it on Vinyl around ‘88 or ‘89 from WH Smith’s in the UK, thought it was amazing.. Still think it’s amazing. I was 15 at the time. He was utilising the best in sample based synth technology at the times. Synthesisers such as the Emulator II and the Akai S4000 rack mount unit.

[ClodiMedius]

This album definitely marks a milestone when Vangelis left Nemo Studios. Your review style is quite interesting to watch.

There are 3 albums that should also be considered in the Vangelis cycle, bringing us to a more classical perspective : Mask, El Greco and Mythodea, the latter being available on DVD.

I would suggest you to spend an afternoon or an evening listening to this trilogy in sequence, and you will discover a Vangelis that is quite different.

Sadly, the Mythodea DVD was never brought to Bluray, which is sad, since the original shooting was in HD. I hope that someday, influent reviewers will open a conversation with Sony BMG to release this. This performance at Zeus temple is underrated... there was not a sufficient media focus on this.

Continue you reviews. I subscribe...

[ttsalgado]

Olá, concordo que este álbum de Vangelis seja um dos 5 mais vibrantes e toca todos os sentidos humanos: mente, corpo e alma. Parece que nos comunicamos com o mais Alto e mais Profundo da Alma Humana. Ele consegue transmitir e transferir do individual ao Universal. Sagrado Trabalho desse amado Ser Especial. Gratidão Mestre Vangelis. Que receba as boas energias que sentimos quando compartilhamos, ouvimos e sentimos suas obras musicais em nosso lar e no Lar Universal. Quando puder, inspire a nova juventude para seguir construindo Músicas que transformam e transfiguram nossas Almas. Gratidão Vangelis.

[tkloska]

I love Direct.
In my opinion one of the best album by Vangelis. Others that i love:
The City, L'Apocalypse des Animaux, Heaven and Hell.
Ofc Blade Runner.
Great artsist great music.

[timdowns]

The sampled baby voice on Message is Vangelis himself, his own voice sampled and triggered at a higher pitch.

[shanebullock]

Great Review I am going to buy this now. Just not to0 happy with the artwork, would prefer seeing the cover take all the pace on the front.

[MortonGoldthwait]

Oracle of Apollo is one of my favorite songs on the album. It really fit's the albums larger than life scope. Music does not have to be loud and grand to be intense and Oracle of Apollo fits the mold of songs like Something I Can Never have by Nine Inch Nails and Failure by Swans. Something quiet and stripped down can carry the power of a thousand suns.

[abyios]

This is not my favorite Vangelis album but I did buy it when it first came out and Loved What I Heard...and that inner fold photo of Vangelis biting into an Apple, with all his keyboards all around him, excited me--knowing what he is capable of doing. I love the first side of this album. But I am a HUGE fan of Vangelis and would recommend this album to all Vangelis fans.

[jakovkrezo]

My favoutite artist Vangelis. Also Jarre and Kraftwerk

[zorancalic]

I am sorry if I missed, but.. It would be nice if you introduce you, who you are if you make review of something

[emesde]

Nice review . I completely agree 😉 other favorite, so much to choose from. So many albums explore something else.

[johnreremoana]

l'm just wondering if these Vangelis original soundtrack albums are available on vinyl LP, '1492: Conquest Of Paradise' and 'Alexander', (l own both of these albums on CD) both of these soundtracks are a must have for any Vangelis fan, they're excellent masterpieces.

[emesde]

Btw: I don't think he plays drum on this album it is all drum machines. I think that picture is just for show. However he does play drums. (for example on spiral)

[pepinillosazucarados]

MY FAVORITE ALBUM IS THE CITY .IN THE DIRECT ALBUM HE USED A SAMPLED ELECTRIC GUITAR THE SAME SAMPLE USED BY TANGERINE DREAM, VANGELIS NEVER USED THAT GUITAR SAMPLE ANYMORE. DOES SOMEONE FROM WHAT KEYBOARD CAME THE ELECTRIC GUITAR

[innosanto]

Vangelis always composed as he recorded his music, from the beginning, not from Direct.

[HT-]

I like Direct. I like the 2nd track, 5th track, and the 10th track the best. Especially the 10th track, the Ave. Those DX7II funky lines are one of the kind. The last track is a disappointment. Reminds me of rap or hip-hop, which is an atrocity on otherwise wonderful album.