Saga
's first major-label release was also the band's commercial breakthrough; the single
"On the Loose"
was not only a radio hit, but one of the first videos to be featured on the fledgling
MTV
network. Fortunately, the rest of the album holds up nearly as well as that fine single; fleshing out the songs' arrangements with lots of interesting instrumental detail, the band manages to maintain their
progressive rock
roots while producing strong, effective
pop
tunes. The lyrics are interesting and intelligent without being pretentious or eggheaded.
World's Apart
is the work of a band at the peak of its skill and inspiration, and may be
's best album. ~ Andy Hinds