HOBBIT: All For The One

Hobbit

All For The One

© 2003 Hobbit (750458323427)

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A mid-Atlantic rendezvous of U.K. and U.S. Melodic-Prog-Fantasy-Pomp-Rock

tracks

1 . . .dialogue. . .
2 Everywhere
3 In the Shire
4 . . .narration. . .
5 Nazgul
6 There and Back Again
7 . . .narration. . .
8 Wind and the Way
9 One More Time
10 . . .narration. . .
11 Hey Bombadil
12 . . .narration. . .
13 Echoes in Mirkwood
14 . . .narration. . .
15 Rivendell
16 Grand Departure
17 . . .dialogue. . .
18 Mines of Durin
19 Lothlorien
20 Whispers of Gollum
21 . . .narration. . .
22 Beyond the River
23 . . .narration. . .
24 Destiny Chaser
25 . . .dialogue. . .
26 Witchking
27 . . .narration. . .
28 Emptiness
29 . . .narration. . .
30 In Mordor
31 Farewells
32 Last to the Havens

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notes

Hobbit - All For The One (2003 / Midwest Records)

Gene Fields (vocals / guitars / keys), Paul "Turk" Henry (vocals / bass / guitar / narration), Richard Hill (lead guitar / keys), Rusty Honeycutt (drums)

Produced by Hobbit

It's been 18 years of silence, almost two decades since Hobbit recorded a batch of original songs in 1985. To come back after all this time, surely nothing less than a classic would seem worthwhile to them. Then again, why settle for just "classic" ? This 74 minute concept album experience redefines the term "masterpiece" by taking the listener through not just the letter but the spirit of the Lord Of The Rings, which has been the subject of concept albums before - but never like this ...

As you'd expect with Hobbit, the intro is nothing you could've predicted : a grumpy troll expressing his appetite for a hobbit shinbone ! Then running directly into the launch song Everywhere, an anthem for the ages full of all the ingredients that make AOR the treasured genre it is - anthemic melody and hook combination over a powerful 4/4 bedrock of drumming, thrilling from start to finish. Flowing directly into In The Shire, a sweet and short pomp rocker at midtempo, devoted to the joys of living in the Shire just before the great threat. Trademark Hobbit melodies abound, paving the way for Turk's chilling spoken introduction to Nazgul, a menacing slice of Dio-esque rock, all power riffs and big melodies despite the ominous vocal delivery from Turk, bringing across the threatening subject matter with conviction. There And Back Again ushers in the first of many finely crafted gentle acoustic based tracks, bringing through the mystical / minstrel style that Hobbit can call on at will. This particular gem focuses on setting the scene for the journey to begin, and features a rocking uptempo middle section with flute adding a Celtic flavour to good effect. The Wind And The Way is similar in style, but a little more laid back with ethereal tendencies. It's a beautiful tribute to Tolkien for having created a separate world for our imaginations to to wander into.

One More Time is another clear highlight on display, one of many. Travelling between ethereal and power ballad, this is what we could consider the blueprint for "fantasy rock" - melodic, powerful and mystical : yet another string to the AOR bow. Hey Bombadil is a different creature entirely, built around nothing less than a dulcimer and filled with atmosphere from the book (whistles, frogs and some quotes from Tom B himself), it's an advanced master class in acoustic based melody, recalling the very best Kansas had to offer. From Turk's shadowy spoken intro you're aware of darkness to come, and Echoes In Mirkwood certainly delivers : sounding creepy and intimidating yet always musical, Turk sings the courage right out of you with some chilling delivery and inflection. Respite is at hand though, with Rivendell celebrating a place of strength and hope via Kansas-like tempo changes and melodies, yet it sounds like only Hobbit could deliver it. Grand Departure is an instrumental pomp rock workout of the highest order, showing Styx how it's really done. Mines Of Durin is the very darkness under the mountains come to life : ominous and intimidating, and by design slightly less melodic to better suit the subject matter.

After the brief instrumental Lothlorien takes us to a lighter place (complete with phonetic lessons from Treebeard !), Whispers Of Gollum perfectly captures the divided scheming mind of Smeagol / Gollum, again more ominous than melodic, as required. Beyond The River returns us to the ethereal acoustic based style established earlier, full of subtle melody and reflective lyrics considering the dangers that wait across the Anduin River. After a stirring spoken intro, Destiny Chaser launches into a midtempo AOR classic recalling Survivor and Franke & The Knockouts. The chorus is especially powerful, showing their capacity for classy 80's hooks, and demonstrating just how to weave a vocal attack around them. Gene is once again in fine vocal form, combining the silky and powerful aspects of his voice for an absolute winner. The spoken intro to Witchking is truly menacing, possibly delivered by Sauron himself in the black tongue ? Witchking commences with a wicked hook and powerhouse vocals from Turk, remaining mostly within the minor chords yet melodic throughout. Special mention must be made of the instrumental break, encompassing guitar work from Rick that ventures into anthemic Iron Maiden territory, and fierce double bass drumming from Rusty to challenge even Metallica at their own game.

Thoughts Of Frodo is a gentle minstrel piece of pure class, imbued with classical influence and over all too soon. Gene remains at the mike for Emptiness, another mystical excursion fusing acoustic and electric guitars with inventive drums. Next up is In Mordor, a Hobbit classic from 1978/9, re-recorded here. As he did of old, Turk narrates the hair-raising spoken intro, surpassing the original narrative with deep inflections and tones that only the years bring. The song has been remodelled, toughened up and injected with a fierce power that will amaze all who know the original. Turk sings lead on this daunting new version, in keeping with the Gene / light, Turk / dark approach to vocals on this disc. Most importantly, the classic melody is unchanged and flourishing in it's new sonic surrounds - even the beloved Kansas-styled break in the middle part sounds as good as ever. Farewells is a downtempo slice of grand / classical pomp rock, with melodies to cause chill bumps. Gene's beloved vocals are stamped all over this too short stunner, and it's easy to picture him singing with his trademark smile as he did when delivering "Changes" to a packed arena in Palestine, Texas all those (20) years ago. Hobbit have always been able to end a recorded work with considerable style, and the years have changed nothing - Last To The Havens combines all the bittersweet sadness and heartache of the final chapter, and sets it to music that chills the spine, with words sure to affect anyone with a heart in his chest.

There are so many additional virtues, added sound effects and quotes, and general atmosphere that cannot all be mentioned in one short review. Also, it's good to leave some surprises for the listener to discover. For now, let's just say that Hobbit are not only back, they're on the throne of pomp AOR.

It must also be noted that Richard's wife Tammy made large contributions on flute, keys and arrangements.

All For The One can be pre-ordered at www.hobbitband.com , the official Hobbit website, to ensure you encounter no delay in getting your copy.

Rating : 98

Pro's : concept albums will forever be compared to this disc from now forward

Con's : the track Farewells is too short

Composed by Lee Bradfield for www.glory-daze.com

reviews

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  • Imaginative, classy interpretation of the story
    author: Paul Bugler

    Hobbit have done some very good stuff here. The music, particularly the vocal harmonies, really suit the different themes on this album. The compositions are imaginative while staying within the Lord Of The Rings story and musicianship is excellent. This is a thoroughly enjoyable CD.

  • All For the One is One for Everyone
    author: Tony Dodd

    19th Jan 2005. UK calling. Hobbit should be very proud of this album. This is not head banging rock. It is much, much better than that. It is an album that should not just be played but should be properly listened to. This is not just a collection of songs about Middle Earth. It is an album that manages to capture the magic of LOTR without having to explain the entire story. The album has character. Not sure how, but Hobbit have reproduced the extraordinary magic of the book in the form of music that oozes Middle Earth. From the brilliant darkness of Nazgul, Echoes of Mirkwood and Mines of Durin to the excellent lightness of Hey Bombadil. Read the book? Seen the film? Bought the T Shirt? Do yourself a real favour, complete the set and get the album.

  • I played in a warm-up band @ concerts w/ STYX, but HOBBITT has always taken thei
    author: Karl-Michael Sala, Ancestral Genealogist & Izmir Assoc Founder

    Years ago, I was a former Izmir, Turkey schoolmate of Paul "Turk" Henry. In later years, I was granted a review copy of Two Feet Tall. I so highly enjoyed the variety & melodic fantasy sounds of that CD many times, that I wrote a great review of its genre & quality, but that Izmir bulletin board somehow died. So, I decided to create my own site. http://groups.msn.com/IzmirTurkeyResidents195075 I could not resist continuing my safe HOBBITT habit with All For The One. In the mid-70s, I played bass & sang harmony back-up vocals in a rock-n-soul warm-up band @ concerts w/ REO Speedwagon, Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show, Rare Earth & STYX--but HOBBITT has always taken their cake. As a 1st tenor who sings everything from classical to country, the vocals were appreciated. As a finger-picking guitarist & ear-avid keyboardist, I was enthralled without any head-banging. I felt appropriately & fantasically rocked & rolled--into another world.

  • Nicely done
    author: Jim Johnston

    I loved the musical content of this CD - every song was a new suprise. Very listenable, I wish the production on some of the songs was better, but it is an indie CD (bravo boys!)Still one of my favorite CDs to listen to...

  • absolute brilliance!
    author: rockman5150 (Steve Albritton)

    I've listened to this CD about 1,000 times, and I must say, I'm nowhere near tired of it!! Guys, your previous albums were good, but this one is the crowning achievement of the Hobbit legacy! Tolkien fans everywhere need to hear this...not just listen, but hear! Special kudos to Rusty, my old schoolmate from Lindale High!

  • We bow to the masters.
    author: Hunter Brown

    We've all enjoyed Hobbit's music over the years, but "All For The One" proves the four members of this band are still masters of their art. This is one CD that sounds better everytime it's played.

  • Magical!
    author: Laura T Lynch of Kweevak.com

    This four-man band weaves the traditions of UK and US melodic rock into a tapestry of fantasy rock. Their vocal style and complex creative arrangements are reminiscent of classic Yes. This CD is an epic including 32 tracks of majestic music and narration. The album unfurls like a book and captures the ebb and flow of the Tolkien classics. Attention to details and special sound effects makes this collection a magical experience. All For The One is an amazing concept album showcasing strong vocals and stunning instrumentation in diverse, multifaceted arrangements. Hobbit takes the imagery and wonder of the Tolkien novels to the next level!

  • Transported to a new land.
    author: Dr. Vali Reshit

    It was like listening to music that would accompany me on a magic carpet ride.

  • Very gratifying!
    author: Mustafa Pedeturk

    If you listen closely, you can hear the influence of his older brother’s artistic ability. Wonderful music!

  • Takes the listener straight back to Middle Earth!
    author: Erin Moore

    Listening to this CD is like a wonderful abbreviated trip through the Lord of the Rings. The depth and range of emotion that is conveyed both through the lyrics and through the music is astonishing.

  • author: John Henry

    The music is fresh, well crafted, elegant, and dense. The Tolkien theme is woven beautifully into the music. Nothing repetitive or boring, each song has been painstakingly composed. Instrumentals and vocals first rate. This group should be closely followed.

  • Fantastic!
    author: Fethiye Tuzer

    It's indeed a fantastic music I can spend hours and hours listening to without being tired. It's gratifying to have waited a long time to get such a marvellous result with so nice effects! Thank you!

  • Great must have concept album for lovers of the trilogy and music in general
    author: B. Schram

    Having been privileged to have attended the same high school as Paul Turk Henry, it is with extra relish after all these years to hear his band roar forth with great new sounds truly once again Rocking the Shire and leveling those dreadful Orcs! This concept album is a must have for both the Trilogy lovers and music lovers all over the Shire! Rock On!

  • Great Music is Timeless
    author: Karl Baehr

    Great music is timeless. Hobbit has done themselves proud with All For the One.

  • Hobbit is indeed a much needed beacon of Honor!
    author: Thunder Vadge(Neon Warrior)

    This album filled my honor cup so full that honor was spilling onto my honor pants and shirt! A rare gem! A good gift for youngling bearers of honor!

  • Awesome
    author: Carol Dawson

    Great music...smooth melodies and good rock - forget the 80s...this is good 2000 + listening.

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