Recorded September–October 1972 Label Bronze
Island
Mercury Artist Uriah Heep Studio Lansdowne Studios, London | Length 37:34 The Magician's Birthday
(1972) Sweet Freedom
(1973) Release date November 1972 Producer Gerry Bron | |
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Released November 1972 (1972-11) Genres Hard rock, Progressive rock, Heavy metal, Psychedelic rock Similar Demons and Wizards, Look at Yourself, Sweet Freedom, Uriah Heep Live, Very 'Eavy Very 'U | ||
The Magician's Birthday is the fifth album by British rock band Uriah Heep, released in 1972 by Bronze Records in the UK and Mercury Records in the US. The concept was "based loosely on a short story" written by Ken Hensley in June and July 1972.
Contents
The original vinyl release was a gatefold sleeve, the front designed by Roger Dean. The inner fold had pictures of the band, with the album itself housed in a liner on which were printed the lyrics.
Two songs charted in the United States, "Blind Eye" (No. 97) and "Sweet Lorraine" (No. 91). "Spider Woman" reached No. 13 in Germany.
In a retrospective review, Sputnikmusic praised The Magician's Birthday, saying, "Though probably not as cohesive as it could be, it still offers plenty of highlights, earning its place among Heep's finest albums". Reviewer Daniel Dias singled out "Sunrise", noting that it was "a highlight in Heep's catalog and one of the band's finest progressive rock ballads". AllMusic noted the album's prog elements as well, and said, "The Magician's Birthday never quite hits the consistent heights of Look at Yourself or Demons and Wizards but remains a solid listen for Uriah Heep fans".
The Magician's Birthday was certified Gold by the RIAA on 22 January 1973.
Sunrise is
Track listing
All tracks written by Ken Hensley except where noted.
The 2004 remastered version by Castle (UK) added nine previously unreleased bonus tracks:
Personnel
Credits adapted from album liner notes
Production
The 2004 remastered version by Castle (UK) as CMRCD771, team:
Songs
1Sunrise4:06
2Spider Woman2:28
3Blind Eye3:36