Album: "Odyssey" is the fourth studio album by guitarist Yngwie Malmsteen, released in January 1988 through Polydor Records.
This web page has photos of album covers, inner sleeves, record labels together with production details, musicians and track-listing.
In the hairspray-soaked wasteland of 1988, when pop-metal peacocks ruled the MTV airwaves, a Swedish virtuoso named Yngwie J. Malmsteen unleashed a sonic tempest that defied the spandex-clad status quo. His album, "Odyssey," wasn't just a collection of songs; it was a manifesto. A declaration of independence from the saccharine soundscape that dominated the era.
Malmsteen, already a guitar hero for his earlier solo work, took a bold step with "Odyssey." He recruited former Rainbow vocalist Joe Lynn Turner, a move that hinted at a shift toward a more accessible sound. But make no mistake, this wasn't a sell-out. It was a strategic alliance, a way to amplify Malmsteen's neoclassical shredding with a voice that could match his intensity.
The album, recorded at Criteria Studios in Miami with producer Jeff Glixman (known for his work with Kansas and Black Sabbath), was a sonic marvel. Malmsteen's guitar playing was a force of nature, a whirlwind of arpeggios, sweep picking, and lightning-fast runs. But it wasn't just about technical prowess. There was a sense of melody, a depth of emotion that elevated his playing beyond mere showmanship.
Turner's vocals, powerful and soaring, were the perfect foil to Malmsteen's fretboard fireworks. Songs like "Heaven Tonight" and "Dreaming (Tell Me)" showcased his ability to deliver anthemic choruses while still maintaining a sense of grit and edge.
"Odyssey" wasn't without its controversies. Some critics accused Malmsteen of sacrificing his artistic integrity for commercial success. Others dismissed Turner's vocals as a poor imitation of David Coverdale, his predecessor in Rainbow. But Malmsteen, never one to shy away from a fight, defended his choices. He saw "Odyssey" as a natural evolution, a way to push the boundaries of his music without compromising his vision.
The album's centerpiece, the instrumental "Krakatau," was a showcase of Malmsteen's virtuosity. A 10-minute odyssey of its own, it highlighted his mastery of the guitar, from delicate acoustic passages to blistering electric solos. It was a reminder that, even in the face of commercial pressures, Malmsteen was still a guitar god, a true original.
"Odyssey" may not have reached the same commercial heights as some of Malmsteen's earlier work, but it remains a landmark album. It's a monument to his unwavering commitment to his craft, his refusal to be pigeonholed or constrained by genre conventions. In a world of hair metal clones, Yngwie J. Malmsteen stood alone, a neoclassical warrior wielding his guitar like a weapon, forging his own path through the musical landscape.
Music Genre: Neo-classical metal, heavy metal |
Album Production Information: The album: "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" was produced by: Jeff "Bjorn" Glixman and Yngwie J. Malmsteen Jeff Glixman is a highly respected and accomplished music producer, sound engineer, and mastering engineer. With a career spanning several decades, Glixman has made significant contributions to the music industry, working with renowned artists and leaving an indelible mark on numerous recordings. Born on 10 June 1951, in New York City, Jeff Glixman developed a passion for music at an early age. He began playing guitar and exploring various genres, immersing himself in the music scene of the city. Glixman's love for music soon expanded beyond performing, and he became fascinated with the technical aspects of sound production. Glixman's journey in the music industry took off when he started working at the legendary Record Plant Studios in New York. There, he honed his skills as a recording engineer, working with a diverse range of artists and learning from experienced professionals. Glixman's talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of industry insiders, earning him a reputation as a skilled engineer with a keen ear for sound. In the 1970s, Glixman made a significant breakthrough when he began collaborating with progressive rock band Kansas. He worked on their critically acclaimed albums, including "Leftoverture" (1976) and "Point of Know Return" (1977), which featured the chart-topping hit "Dust in the Wind". Glixman's meticulous attention to detail and innovative production techniques helped shape Kansas' distinctive sound and contributed to their commercial success. Following his success with Kansas, Glixman went on to work with other notable rock acts, including Gary Moore, Black Sabbath, and Y&T. He became known for his ability to capture the essence of a band's sound and bring out the best in their performances. Glixman's collaborations with these artists resulted in iconic albums, such as Gary Moore's "Run for Cover" (1985) and Y&T's "In Rock We Trust" (1984). In addition to his work as a producer and engineer, Glixman also excelled as a mastering engineer. His expertise in the final stages of the recording process allowed him to fine-tune and enhance the overall sound quality of albums. Glixman's mastering credits include albums by artists like Eric Clapton, Cinderella, and Krokus, further showcasing his versatility and skill set. Throughout his career, Jeff Glixman's contributions to the music industry have earned him numerous accolades and recognition. His work has garnered multiple gold and platinum certifications, reflecting the commercial success of the albums he has been involved in. Glixman's dedication to his craft, commitment to excellence, and ability to create a dynamic and immersive sonic experience have solidified his reputation as one of the industry's most sought-after producers and engineers. With a career that has spanned over four decades, Jeff Glixman continues to be actively involved in the music industry, collaborating with emerging and established artists alike. His passion for music and his unwavering pursuit of sonic perfection make him a respected figure in the field. Glixman's enduring legacy lies not only in the albums he has produced but also in the inspiration he has provided to aspiring producers and engineers around the world.
Sound/Recording Engineer(s): Jeff Glixman This album was recorded at: Cherokee, Los Angeles and House of Msuic Album cover design: Chris Thompson Album cover photography: Mark "Weissguy" Weiss Mark Weiss is a renowned rock and roll photographer who has captured some of the most iconic moments in music history. Known for his dynamic images of legends like Bon Jovi, Van Halen, and Guns N’ Roses, Weiss’s work defines the visual essence of rock’s golden era. His photography continues to inspire generations. Learn more about Mark Weiss.
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Record Label & Catalognr: Polydor 835 451 |
Media Format: 12" LP Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram |
Year & Country: 1988 Made in Holland / Netherlands |
Personnel/Band Members and Musicians on: YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey |
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Complete Track-listing of the album "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" |
The detailed tracklist of this record "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" is:
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High Quality Photo of Album Front Cover "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" |
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Album Back Cover Photo of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" |
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Inner Sleeve of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" Album |
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Photo of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" Album's Inner Sleeve |
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Photo of "YNGWIE J. MALMSTEEN RISING FORCE - Odyssey" Red Polydor Record Label |
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Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. |
Published by De Novo Music, Polydor 825 733 , 1985 , Germany
Yngwie Malmsteen's Rising Force's 1985 opus, "Marching Out," a neoclassical metal masterpiece, unfolds on 12" Vinyl LP. The album, a showcase of Malmsteen's virtuosity, melds classical elegance with metal power.
Marching Out 12" Vinyl LP
Polydor 835 451 , 1988 , Holland
"Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force 'Odyssey' 12" Vinyl LP Album, released in 1988, showcases Malmsteen's virtuoso guitar skills and neoclassical metal style, achieving commercial success with standout tracks like 'Heaven Tonight'."
Odyssey 12" Vinyl LP
POLYDOR 831 0731-1 , 1986 , West-Germany
Yngwie J. Malmsteen's "Trilogy" (1986) is his third studio album, showcasing a more refined and song-oriented approach. While retaining his signature neoclassical shredding, the album incorporates more structured songwriting and melodic vocals.
Trilogy 12" Vinyl LP