Saga are something of a unique band with that equally as rare thing, a unique sound. A major part of that sound is the voice of vocalist Michael Sadler, a man who has been the voice of Saga for thirty years and, if your math's is an good, you’ll realize that equates to approximately 10,000 Days, and hence the name of the album. Sadler has in fact announced that 10,000 Days will be his last album with the band and the tour his last with Saga, with that in mind the meaning of the title becomes somewhat poignant.

Long term fans of Saga will absolutely love this album. It has everything that has made the band so special over the years. The unique interplay of guitars and keyboards all overlaid with Sadler's incomparable vocals and the equally compelling lyrics. The album opens with Lifeline and is followed with Book Of Life, a track that is great fun and is the perfect example of the albums superb lyrical content, dealing with the joys of touring. Third song in, Sideways, is possibly the highlight of the album. The song is aptly named as after thirty seconds or so it takes a sideways step and goes all progressive AOR on the listener - simply stunning.

 Can't You See Me Now? sees Saga laying claim to their prog credentials, playing in odd time signatures and with extended musical interludes. Corkentellis, which follows, is one extended musical interlude from beginning to end. Arguably it's a little bit misplaced as, with the whole album being  Sadler's swansong, an instrumental feels slightly out of place.  Luckily things get back on track with More Than I Deserve, Sadler's message to the fans and a song that is very reminiscent of later day Pink Floyd thanks to the subtle use of clean and acoustic guitars and the way the arrangement builds throughout the songs length.

Sound Advice is another one of those tracks that scream SAGA at you, quirky guitar sounds and yet more of keyboard/vocal interplay. If Sideways is the highlight of the album then the title track 10,000 Days runs it a very close second. Retrospective, from Sadler's perspective, in it's outlook for some reason it has a Christmas feel about it. Finally rounding out the CD is It Never Ends, a song which refers to both the band and Sadler's future plans and finished the album in grand style.

It's obvious that, for their last album together, both the band and Sadler wanted something special. Something to remember them by and they have easily achieved this as 10,000 Days is by far the best Saga album in a long time.  A sad farewell it maybe, but at least this incarnation of the bands ends on a high note and , as the band head out on one last tour, it can only be hoped that they think fit to bring out a DVD to say goodbye properly. Hopefully though Sadler's imminent departure will not mark the end of this particular Saga but, to quote the band, ONLY time will tell!!

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 Track Listing

Lifeline
Book Of Lies
Sideways
Can't You See Me Now?
Corkentellis
More Than I Deserve
Sound Advice
10,000 Days
It Never Ends

Line Up

Michael Sadler - Vocals
Jim Critchon - Bass
Ian Critchon - Guitars
Jim Gilmour - Keyboards
Brian Doerner - Drums