Novum
Procol Harum · 2017
56 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock
A lush tapestry of art rock and baroque pop, weaving intricate melodies with reflective lyrics and rich instrumentation.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Told on You Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its catchy hooks and introspective lyrics, reflecting on themes of regret and accountability. Its infectious melody draws listeners into the album's emotional landscape.
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Last Chance Motel — With a blend of nostalgia and urgency, this track features poignant storytelling that captures the essence of longing and missed opportunities, showcasing the band’s lyrical prowess.
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Soldier — This song stands out for its haunting narrative about sacrifice and loss, encapsulating the album’s exploration of human experience through vivid imagery and emotive vocal delivery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong songwriting and rich instrumentation, maintaining Procol Harum's identity while exploring new themes.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a slower ballad that shifts the album's energy.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements, such as strings and woodwinds, enhancing the lush soundscape throughout.
- Lyrically, the album explores themes of reflection and nostalgia, with verses often structured around vivid imagery and storytelling.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflective moments
- nostalgic themes for thoughtful listeners
- mid-tempo flow for casual enjoyment
- album-as-one-piece experience
- gentle orchestral elements enhance mood
Maybe skip if you
- seek instant gratification
- prefer high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Reaffirms Procol Harum's relevance with original songwriting after decades.
- Career context
- Upon the release of Novum in 2017, Procol Harum was celebrating over 50 years since their landmark debut single 'A Whiter Shade of Pale'. This album marked a significant return to original songwriting after a series of collaborations and lineup changes, showcasing their ability to evolve while remaining true to their established sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Moody Blues· Yes· King Crimson
Tracklist
- 1 I Told on You Start here 5:32
- 2 Last Chance Motel 4:48
- 3 Image of the Beast 4:56
- 4 Soldier 5:28
- 5 Don’t Get Caught 5:12
- 6 Neighbour 2:46
- 7 Sunday Morning 5:28
- 8 Businessman 4:44
- 9 Can’t Say That 7:13
- 10 The Only One 6:10
- 11 Somewhen 3:47
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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