A Song For All Seasons

Produced by David Hentschel, Renaissance's next two albums reveal a significant change in direction from their previous work. Hentschel had, of course, perfected his technique with Genesis, and he certainly brought some of that influence here; just listen to the opening of "Kindness (At the End)." Predictably, the songs are shorter and more pop-oriented, with Michael Dunford's songwriting now mostly co-authored with Jon Camp. Additionally, Dunford's guitar turns steel string and electric, while John Tout traverses far more keyboards than on any previous Renaissance effort. Granted, most of the short songs are unspectacular, but the longer title track and "Day of the Dreamer" contain all of Renaissance's former appurtenances; yet coupled with Hentschel's production, they gain a greater immediacy and broader sonic landscape than ever before. Haslam's voice too was more moderate in the mix, but no less inviting. "Northern Lights b/w "Opening Out" was released as a single and hit No. 10 on the UK charts. Subsequently, A Song For All Seasons would finally push the band into the UK charts after a near decade-long absence, as the album rose to No. 35. The album also fared well in the US, reaching No. 58. Renaissance recorded the even more commercial Azure D'Or in 1979; but without an accompanying single, it sunk with little trace. The band effectively broke up following the departure of Tout and Terry Sullivan in 1980; though in the early 80s, Haslam, Camp and Dunford would record two forgettable albums for Miles Copeland's IRS label.