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This 1988 Vangelis CD is a bridge between the symphonic electronica sound that Vangelis made popular in the eighties and is current, more dense orchestral sound. Direct is a mixture of electronica, new age, space music, and folk sounds, mixed together in Vangelis' unique way.

The CD starts of with "The Motion of Starts", a symphonic electronica cut on which Vangelis plays lush string synths over a constantly shifting sequenced background. It sounds as if Vangelis may be playing over a continous sequence while he changes the sound that is played. The style is similar to his album Masks.

"The Will of the Wind" is more symphonic electronica. The cut features heavy drum machine backing, with an sampled asian flute melody.

Blade Runner fans should love "Metallic Rain". It begins with a synthesizer solo over a droning string synth background. This section sounds a lot like Bladerunner Blues. The cut picks up after about a minute, and then builds to a rock-like section. The rock section has a blues-like feel also, but adds drums, a guitar-like distorted synth sound, and heavy blues bass. The remainder of "Metallic Rain" contrasts the mellow blues sound with the rock sections.

"Elsewhere" sounds like it could have come from one of his earlier albums. The melody sounds a little like some of the music on Opera Sauvage. The cut starts with a sequenced backing and adds a lilting melody over the top. It's a pleasant enough cut until the drum machine cuts in, about three minutes into the song. The drum machine work is unoriginal and detracts from the rest of the song. The song returns to its original texture before a fade-out.

The next cut, "Glorianna (Hymn a la Femme)", is one of the strongest cuts that Vangelis has recorded. On this track, Vangelis uses synthesizers and orchestral percussion to support two wordless vocalists singing in an operatic style. The result is operatic electronica, very melodic and beautiful. "Glorianna" points to one of the directions that Vangelis followed in the late 90's, towards more of an operatic orchestral feel.

"Rotation's Logic" is the sort of throw-away pop-electronica tune that Vangelis can churn out. The melody isn't original enough to grab you, though, so it sounds like new-age background music.

Vangelis comes through with another classic piece of music with "The Oracle of Apollo". This cut combines harp or sampled harp with synthesized strings and bass. The melody carries a sense of wonder and mystery, and is beautifully arranged. It also has a real direction and form, contrasting the original melody with a section that adds some tension. "The Oracle", like "Glorianna", capture many of the best elements in Vangelis style.

"Message" has a sequenced bass and layers lush strings at the start, accommpanying what sounds like a baby babbling. It quickly builds to his melodic symphonic style, and is similar to some of Vangelis soundtrack work for 1492. It's melodic, grandiose, and bombastic. Cymbal crashes and wordless vocals "Message" sound impressive, even if the melody isn't one of Vangelis' best.

"Ave" is pop-rock and leaves little mark. The last cut, "First Approach" ends the CD on a high note. It's very quiet and contemplative, and features synthesized cello and flute solos. The backing is built of Vangelis' unique synth string sound, along with wordless vocals. Both the cello and flute sounds are used to introduce the melody, then the music builds to a crescendo. Finally, both instrument sounds are used to revisit the melody at the same time.

There are two extra cuts on the CD that were not on the original album version of this recording. "Dial Out" isn't very memorable, but fits on the album. "Intergalactic Radio Station" is annoying, and seems out of place. This cut includes spoken vocals over a progressive rock synthesized backing. The vocals are sound like half of a phone call from a strange future. The result sounds a lot like work Vangelis did 20 years earlier on See You Later, but not as original.

Overall, Direct is a mixed outing for Vangelis. Some listeners will like the variety of orchestral electronica and more pop-rock new age cuts. The lack of focus, though, makes Direct sound a little like a grab-bag or compilation. Direct has some of Vangelis best work on it, especially "Glorianna" and "The Oracle of Apollo", but seems padded out with weaker tracks.

Vangelis

1/17/2004

Vangelis is one of the most acclaimed electronic musicians of all time. He has recorded a great variety of music over the last thirty years, won the academy award for musical score, composed hit songs, and written the scores for several ballets. Vangelis is best known for his music featured in the television show Cosmos, and his scores to movies. His scores include Chariots of Fire, The Bounty, and Blade Runner.

Synthtopia Reviews of Vangelis' Music

Vangelis - 1492 Conquest of Paradise

2/19/2004

Conquest of Paradise is a sumptious combination of orchestral electronica, folk melodies, choral vocals and renaissance influences.

Vangelis - Alexander Soundtrack

11/18/2004

Alexander, the soundtrack to the Oliver Stone biopic, features Vangelis at his best. It is a rousing score, a satisfying album, and a likely Oscar contender.

Vangelis - Beaubourg

12/7/2003

This is one of Vangelis' most daring and experimental pieces. Listeners that love Vangelis experimental side will love it, while listeners that like his new age side will be covering their ears.

Vangelis - Blade Runner

2/20/2004

Blade Runner is a science fiction classic, and it has a classic electronica score to go with it.

Vangelis - Chariots of Fire

1/18/2004

When Chariots of Fire was released in 1981, it came with a unique soundtrack by Vangelis. At that time, putting a soundtrack of electronic music on a period film was unheard of. The music worked, though, because of the simple, beautiful melodies and the way Vangelis used synthesizers in an orchestral way.

Vangelis - China

12/6/2003

If you're interested in a real fusion of Chinese and western musics, this isn't it. But if you like the music of Vangelis, China is work from one of his creative peaks.

Vangelis - Direct

1/17/2004

Vangelis - Heaven and Hell

1/3/2004

This 1975 recording is the first time Vangelis fully realized his lush orchestral style. The music contrasts images of heaven and hell. After nearly 30 years, it holds up as a classic of electronic music.

Vangelis - Oceanic

4/18/2004

Oceanic is a collection of tone poems with Ocean themes. On this 1996 release, Vangelis creates a soothing 50 minute journey through deep oceanic spaces, sounding a bit like a Hearts of Space show. The new age music showcases his wonderful ear for melodies and lush synthetic orchestration, but does not have the edge or sense of experimentation that marks his best work.

Vangelis - Opera Sauvage

11/22/2003

Vangelis' Opera Sauvage is one of the classics of popular electronic music.

Vangelis - See You Later

1/3/2004

This CD is one of the strangest that Vangelis has ever created. The music is the soundtrack to a dystopian future, or maybe just the ugly side of the present. This cult record is not for the new age fans, but Blade Runner freaks and people who like the darker side of electronic music will find a lot to like.

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