The Seven Wonders of the World (album)

The Seven Wonders of the World is a studio album by progressive rock artist and keyboardist Rick Wakeman, released in 1995.[3][4] The album explores instrumentally the themes of each of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. Each track is introduced by Garfield Morgan, giving a short biography of each wonder before the instrumental track begins. The album is free of any bombastic attack, and each track has a refined tempo and instrumental progression that outlines each wonder's attributes.[5]

The Seven Wonders of the World
Studio album by
ReleasedJune 1995[1]
RecordedSeptember 1994–May 1995
GenreProgressive rock, art rock, symphonic rock, new-age
Length57:03
LabelPure Sounds (United States), President (UK)
ProducerStuart Sawney
Rick Wakeman chronology
New Gospels
(1995)
The Seven Wonders of the World
(1995)
Visions
(1995)
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic[2]

Idea

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"The idea for an album with this title was first decided upon in the 1970s and indeed in my racehorse ownership days, there was indeed a race named after the title. The Seven Wonders of the World Handicap Hurdle, which sadly never happened on the day because of a frozen course!"

— Rick Wakeman[6]

Album artwork

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The artwork is made to look like a vintage painting of one of the wonders, most likely the Statue of Zeus. "Rick Wakeman" and "The Seven Wonders of the World" are written in the font Papyrus.

Track listing

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All music is composed by Rick Wakeman

The Seven Wonders of the World
No.TitleLength
1."The Pharos of Alexandria: narration"0:43
2."The Pharos of Alexandria"9:40
3."The Colossus of Rhodes: narration"0:43
4."The Colossus of Rhodes"7:04
5."The Pyramids of Egypt: narration"0:38
6."The Pyramids of Egypt"6:30
7."The Hanging Gardens of Babylon: narration"0:53
8."The Hanging Gardens of Babylon"5:10
9."The Temple of Artemis: narration"0:58
10."The Temple of Artemis"6:27
11."The Statue of Zeus: narration"0:47
12."The Statue of Zeus"5:36
13."The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus: narration"0:42
14."The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus"11:12
Total length:57:03[7]

Personnel

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References

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  1. ^ Strong, Martin Charles (1995). The Great Rock Discography. Canongate Press. p. 879. ISBN 9780862415419.
  2. ^ Allmusic review
  3. ^ "Rick Wakeman's Website Discography". Archived from the original on 2 July 2008. Retrieved 10 August 2010.
  4. ^ Progarchives.com Reviews
  5. ^ Allmusic.com's Review Page
  6. ^ "Quote about the idea from Rick Wakeman's website". Archived from the original on 8 January 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2010.
  7. ^ Allmusic.com Track listing
  8. ^ "Personnel list". Archived from the original on 8 January 2011. Retrieved 11 August 2010.
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