FabricioXVIII

Jeff Wayne's musical of Spartacus' remains a surprisingly underrated album. While not without its flaws, such as the reliance on electronic instruments and some less memorable melodies, and there's nothing like that previous Jeff Wayne's work "The War of the Worlds" with that pompous orchestra, crazy synths and guitars, acmadness mixes of opera rock, with funky-disco and progressive. But, 'Spartacus' showcases a commendable effort from the cast. Anthony Hopkins delivers a captivating performance as Crassus, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, though not known for her vocal prowess, contributes significantly to the project. The inclusion of Ladysmith Black Mambazo adds a unique and enriching element to the album, particularly in tracks like "Going Home" and "We Carry On." The album accompanying artwork, directed by Richard Evans; featuring illustrations by Gino D'Achille, Christos Achilleos, and Andrew Wheatcroft, is visually stunning and adds to the overall aesthetic experience. While it may not reach the iconic heights of The War of the Worlds, Spartacus is a worthy addition to Jeff Wayne's discography. You should listen to this piece attentively, in detail. Not while you are washing the dishes and letting it play as background music. To conclude, I rate this as a solid 7/10, with its strengths outweighing its weaknesses.