Uriah Heep — Look At Yourself (1971)
Uriah Heep recorded their third album at Lansdowne Studios in July 1971, and Bronze Records released it in September 1971. This is the breakthrough album for the band, as it was the first record that entered British charts, peaking at No. 39. In the US “Look At Yourself” stayed in the charts for 20 weeks*.
Musically the album is a mixture of hard rock and progressive rock. The epic track, “July Morning”, became a calling card of Uriah Heep and is regarded as one of the most significant songs of the band. “July Morning” was written by Ken Hensley and David Byron. Manfred Mann played a solo on his Moog synthesizer in the final sequence. By the way, Ken Hensley also sang lead vocals on the title track, “Look At Yourself”, while David Byron sang lead vocals on this song in concerts. Percussion part on “Look At Yourself” was played by Osibisa.
Mick Box suggested the cover concept for the album.
Track list:
- Look At Yourself (Hensley) 5:07
- I Wanna Be Free (Hensley) 3:59
- July Morning (Hensley/Byron) 10:36
- Tears In My Eyes (Hensley) 5:02
- Shadows Of Grief (Hensley/Byron) 8:40
- What Should Be Done (Hensley) 4:13
- Love Machine (Hensley/Byron/Box) 3:37
Musicians:
- David Byron — vocals
- Ken Hensley — organ, piano, guitars and vocals
- Mick Box — lead guitar and acoustic guitar
- Paul Newton — bass guitar
- Ian Clark — drums
Producer — Gerry Bron.
Bonus tracks on re-issue CDs:
1996:
- Look At Yourself (single version)
- What’s Within My Heart
2003:
- What’s Within My Heart (outtake)
- Why (outtake)
- Look At Yourself (alternate single version)
- Tears In My Eyes (extended version)
- What Should Be Done (outtake)
- Look At Yourself (BBC session)
- What Should Be Done (BBC session)
Original liner notes were written by Ken Hensley.
* Charts stats according to davidbyron.net.
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