Released in 1975 (and known in the U.S. as ), was the eighth solo album from , and a high-water mark for him commercially and critically (as well as a personal favorite). was already coming off two stellar efforts in (1973) and (1974), which marked yet another artistic peak and his introduction to American audiences. Previous settings of acoustic guitar and orchestration were supplanted by 's formation of , a relatively straightforward trio anchored by ace guitarist and former / drummer . (The unit disbanded after this album, however.) guitarist and bassist are among the other all-star contributors on this album, which gets off to a rousing start with 's multi-part critique of modern society and features some hard-hitting guitar passages. upholds yet another long-running theme of critiquing Christianity and its premises. maintain the brooding romanticism associated with 's earlier work, but it's the last track that should stick longest with listeners. 's understated, elegaic ode to life's departures gains power from a blend of string and lines; it remains one of his finest, most enduring compositions. Commercially, 's profile remains that of a cult artist, but he surely deserves wider recognition on his own merit. If you only know as an associate of the '70s aristocracy or the shadowy subject of 's make this album one of your first starting points. ~ Ralph Heibutzki