The Power and the Glory (Gentle Giant album)

The Power and the Glory is the sixth album by the British progressive rock group Gentle Giant, released in 1974. Contrary to popular belief, the title of the album and its many lyrical themes were not inspired by author Graham Greene's novel of the same name, although Derek Shulman was aware of Greene's novel.[3] Guitarist Gary Green has cited this album as his favourite by the band.[4]

The Power and the Glory
Studio album by
Gentle Giant
Released22 September 1974
RecordedDecember 1973 – January 1974
StudioAdvision Studios, London
Genre
Length37:11
LabelVertigo/WWA, Capitol
ProducerGentle Giant
Gentle Giant chronology
In a Glass House
(1973)		 The Power and the Glory
(1974)		 Free Hand
(1975)
Singles from The Power and the Glory
  1. "The Power and the Glory" / "Playing the Game"
    Released: 1974
  2. "The Power And The Glory" / "Proclamation - Live 1977"
    Released: 2010
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllMusic[1]
Sea of Tranquility[2]

The album's concept focuses on an individual who means to do good using political power. He finds himself tempted to abuse the power, as have all of those who have come before, and ultimately becomes what he fought against.

The original LP cover was diecut, with rounded upper corners.

Releases

The album was originally released in the US and Canada by Capitol Records, as would all Gentle Giant's albums until Civilian.

In a 2010 interview[5] Derek Shulman announced that the band are working at creating an animated film based around the themes, characters and songs of the album. The animations subsequently became available in the album's Blu-ray release, of July 2014, which also features a remix (both in stereo and 5.1 surround format) by Steven Wilson. The new edition was released by Alucard, the company that managed Gentle Giant material.[6]

Track listing

All lead vocals by Derek Shulman, except where noted.

All tracks are written by Kerry Minnear, Derek Shulman, and Ray Shulman.

Side one
No.TitleLead vocalsLength
1."Proclamation" 6:47
2."So Sincere"Kerry Minnear (verses), Derek Shulman (chorus)3:51
3."Aspirations"Kerry Minnear4:40
4."Playing the Game"Derek Shulman (verses), Kerry Minnear (bridge)6:46
Side two
No.TitleLead vocalsLength
1."Cogs in Cogs" 3:07
2."No God's a Man"Derek Shulman and ensemble4:27
3."The Face" 4:12
4."Valedictory" 3:21
Bonus tracks on remastered CD
No.TitleLength
9."Proclamation" (Live) (bonus track on 35th anniversary CD edition)4:54
10."The Power and the Glory" (bonus track available on certain editions only)2:53

Personnel

Charts
Year Chart Position
1974 US Billboard 200 78

References
  1. Eder, Bruce (2011). "The Power and the Glory – Gentle Giant | AllMusic". allmusic.com. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  2. Pardo, Pete (2011). "Review: 'Gentle Giant: The Power and the Glory-35th Anniversary Edition (remaster)' – Sea of Tranquility – The Web Destination for Progressive Music!". seaoftranquility.org. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  3. Interview with Wayne Klein, 16 February 2010, from "Progressive Land"
  4. "Progressive Land" Interview with Gary Green by Wayne Klein "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2010-07-19. Retrieved 2010-02-18.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  5. 17 February 2010 Interview for Progressiveland website with Derek Shulman by Wayne Klein
  6. "Gentle Giant – The Power and the Glory : SW remix (Blu-Ray/CD)". Stevenwilsonhq.com. Archived from the original on June 9, 2014. Retrieved June 13, 2016.
  7. Gentle Giant's website (www.blazemonger.com/GG/)
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