It won’t be too long before Uriah Heep celebrates its 50th year in the music business. That in itself is astounding, but what is even more astounding is that they are doing some of their best and most energetic work at this stage of the game. One listen to Living The Dream proves the vitality they have.

There are elements of prog and metal in the 2018 version of Uriah Heep, but I think the best description of them is melodic hard rock with a uniquely British feel to it. One thing I noticed on this particular disc is that it is very keyboard heavy, with much more of an emphasis on organ than other recent Heep releases. Usually that would indicate a lighter side to the music, but not here. Phil Lanzon’s keys are heavy and robust in the same fashion that Jon Lord’s were for Deep Purple, and there is no lessening of the heavy side of the music due to their presence.

I’d also say Bernie Shaw is as good as (if not better than) any other Heep vocalist over the years, and there have been some great ones. The music world is really missing vocals and singing like this these days. As for Living The Dream, this is a no-brainer for any Heep fan or those into the likes of Deep Purple, Asia or Magnum.

This review is available in book (paperback and hardcover) form in Music Street Journal: 2018  Volume 6. More information and purchase links can be found at: garyhillauthor.com/Music-Street-Journal-2018.

You’ll hear that heavy Hammond organ right off the bat with this sizzling rocker. This one is fast and intense, with great riffing that harkens back to the glory days of the band and songs like “Easy Livin’” and “Stealin’.” Mick Box gets to crank up one of his lead guitar solos, as well.