Focus 9/New Skin

Focus have always occupied a unique place in the progressive rock pantheon. They were the most jazz-influenced of the great progressive rock bands of the 1970s, and in this sense their music often displayed a stronger affinity with the great jazz-rock bands of the period, such as Steely Dan and Santana. On the other hand, the strong classical influence in their music placed them squarely in the 'prog' camp. Their commitment to (predominantly) instrumental music gave them an opportunity to create large-scale, extended compositions, which is clearly a characteristic of progressive rock. But their longer compositions were often free-form in structure, with solo improvisation playing an important role alongside the more 'arranged' sections. This is very characteristic of jazz, but less so of progressive rock which is usually based on relatively conventional song structures even when it experiments with longer form composition. The way Focus combined all these seemingly disparate elements in their music gave them a very original, distinctive sound.For that reason alone, it's very good to have them back again, making quality albums as they did all those years ago. In fact, what is most striking about all their recent albums is how little their core trademark style has changed. In particular, their continued emphasis on free-form improvisation, in a context of strong melodic invention and disciplined structural development, provides an insight into how progressive rock itself might have evolved if it hadn't succumbed to commercial pressures in the early 1980s.If you haven't heard the newer Focus albums, you will be pleased to learn that, whilst none of them contain 'hits' comparable to 'Sylvia' or the other songs that made Focus internationally famous in the early 1970s, they are all very definitely in the same class as those early albums, the obvious comparison being with 'Focus 3'. The key ingredients are all on virtuoso display: van Leer's seemingly effortless flair for melody, his unique organ sound, and of course his prominent use of the flute as a solo instrument. These essential elements are combined with taut electric jazz guitar improvisation to create an immediately recognisable sound which is very European and very unique. The quality and consistency of these newer albums is a very nice surprise, given how long most of these guys have been on the music scene.In my opinion, Focus 8, 9, 10 are all great albums, but of the three I like Focus 9 the best. The material is very fresh, dynamic and exciting to listen to. Sometimes, the silly vocalising can seem ill-judged rather than humorous, and anyone who found that a problem with the early Focus albums will continue to find it a problem here. However, the main emphasis is on exciting, instrumental progressive rock, with superb solo improvisation balanced by unexpected shifts in time signature and a rigorous sense of structure. With all this going on, I can forgive the occasional vocal excesses. No-one else makes this type of music as well as Focus, so we can all be grateful that they're back on form again.

Browsing among Focus CD's I hadn't realised the bad had produced so many recent discs. I decided to buy Focus 9/New Skin with two new names in the line-up from the iconic four-piece I was familiar with in the 1970's . . . Thijs van Leer and Pierre van der Linden still surviving.You certainly get a lot of music for your money with this CD - but I fear it tries too hard! In trying to be all things to all people a lot of the tracks simply lose their way - none more so than 'Just Like Eddy' which ought not to appear on any Focus CD - so unlike them it sounds.In contrast a couple of tracks are so good they would not be out of place on Focus III - for my money the pinnacle of what Focus has ever produced . . . these are Black Beauty and Pim - both brilliant tracks. Unfortunately, these cannot lift Focus 9 from being an overall uninspiring effort. It's true that some of the tracks grow on you the more you hear them, but too many others sound like repetitive supermarket musak no matter how many times you listen to them - and for a band like Focus this is a sad indictment.

Better than Focus 8 and shows that the new line up is getting into its stride. Jan Dumee's guitar duties have been passed on to Neils van der Steenhoven who does a better job of impersonating Jan Akkerman, but, although good overall, the album still is eclipsed by Focus 3 and Hamburger Concerto.

This is a CD that shows a good performance in this band, recalling the golden days. The instrumental songs keeps the unmistakable style of the band and only songs with vocals are weaker, but not committed. Those who like the band will not regret it. Note 8.0. Ok!

One of the best prog rock CD I have every bought. Focus's new guitarist Nils van der Steenhoven is outstanding and the whole band is electric. Excellent new songs from Thijs van Leer plus contributions from the rest of the band. Definitely the best CD I have bought in years .......

arrived promptly. very focus

Even better live, but this album brings together all Thijs Van Leer's extraordinary (and sometimes bizarre) composing skills, and a new energy in performance from newest members Neils and Bobby on guitar and bass. If you used to love Focus, you won't be disappointed. Pierre van der Linden is astonishing still on drums.

First class album . Focus at their very best !

Focus 8以降は化石になってしまったというか、円熟した自分達のスタイルに収束してしまったように思います。このFocus 9も個々の曲はそれなりによく仕上がっておりどことなく優雅な雰囲気はそれなりに楽しめますが、プログレ的な野心、Focus的な斬新性は最早感じられません。その原因は言うまでもありませんが、バンドの名前を変えた方がよかったのではないかと思います。その後のアルバムも全てフォローはしていますが、いずれも同じ感想です。

「悪魔の呪文」時代から、ＦＯＣＵＳには、特別な思い入れがあります。ロック＋バロック＋クラシック＋ジャズ＋インプロビゼーション＝ＦＯＣＵＳ良くも悪くも、タイスがいる限り、その血は脈々と受け継がれています。（マンネリかもしれませんが）いまだに健在（さすがに声は出なくなってしまいましたが・・・）で、クラシック音楽のかたわら、ＦＯＣＵＳも続けていることに、頭が下がります。ヤンも、健在だし、タイス＋ヤンのＦＯＣＵＳも、期待してしまいます。今回、「９」と「Ｘ」を買いましたが、わたし的には、「９」の方が好きみたいです。再結成後の、川崎でのコンサートの時、あいにく唇のコンディションで、フルートが吹けなくて・・・心残りはありますが、みんなで「悪魔の呪文」を大合唱して、楽しい同窓会のようだった事を思い出してしまいました。

Focus have progressed from Focus 8 to give an album which is less melodic and more "out there 'in its harmonic explorations. At times it pays homage to previous compositions by Thys van Leer. Personally I prefer their previous outing but still recommend it as a worthy addition to any contemporary progressive rock collection

I known this isn't Focus at the absolute top of their game, but boy, it is as close as it gets. I also have Focus 8 and IMHO this one is far superior. The only song I didn't really care for was the one with the excessive vocals so I left it off the disc when I burned it (I bought MP3 version). But other then that, if you love Focus then I have the feeling you will love this record.

Com certeza não é o melhor do FOCUS. Comprei pela curiosidade, por ser o último lançamento, e por ter todos os discos oficiais do grupo. Segue a linha normal da banda, mas este não é excepcional.