[Album Review] Saga | Silent Knight

The 1980 release of Saga’s third album, Silent Knight, saw success in Canada, selling 50,000 copies and peaking at no. 42 on the charts. It is their first album to feature the “classic lineup” as keyboardist Gregg Chadd was fired from the band, and Jim Gilmour was brought to replace him. With lead vocalist Micheal Sadler, guitarist Ian Crichton, bassist Jim Crichton, and drummer Steve Negus, we have the personnel to carry us through Saga’s extraordinary early ’80s stretch.

But that was then, and this is now. Silent Knight may have been great in 1980, but does it stand the test of time? In hindsight, it might be a complete knightmare…

Don’t Be Late: A+
The build-up, the whispering vocals, the booming power chords of the guitars—all the makings of a superior tune. The lyrics have me imagining an Amazon delivery driver in space, lol. “Your package has just left Earth’s orbit.” Great!

What’s It Gonna Be?: A+
What’s it gonna be? The lyrics are about waiting through the night for something to happen, but this song doesn’t stall to get to its excellent guitar riff and vocal hook. How about that?

Time to Go: C+
I don’t care for the medieval folk tone as the keys sound like an Irish flute. I’m imagining elves dancing around a field or small village to this. It ain’t rock and roll.

Compromise: A+
Right back to the quality of the first two songs, with the guitars taking the lead and the keys in a supportive role. Excellent guitar solo from Ian Crichton.

Too Much to Lose (Chapter Seven): B
I’m not feeling this song. It sounds a little like a theme song for a TV show. I enjoy the bridge better than the rest, so points are given for that part.

Help Me Out: A+
I like the groove of this song and the jammy feel in the latter half. There is great play between the guitars and the keys. It sounds like everyone is having fun playing this song.

Someone Should: A-
A solid driving tune with some equally solid guitar fills.

Careful Where You Step: A+
Oh, that’s a fun guitar riff, and the vocoder for the chorus feels so right. Its groove makes it almost feel like a disco/dance song. I bet Daft Punk was listening to this in 1980. And that finish. Bam! Bam! Solid album closer that sticks out.

Overall, I found the synths on Silent Knight often took over in spots where the guitar would have been upfront on the previous two. I’m also apathetic about Too Much to Lose (Chapter Seven) and Time to Go is a complete boner track. That said, I like that album a lot.

I credit Saga’s songwriting as I love their hooks and grooves, but their lyrics (mostly) kept a steady pace with a sense of urgency. The package deliverer running against the clock in Don’t Be Late, the anticipation of something about to happen in What’s It Gonna Be?, and the pressure of making a quick decision in Compromise. I can feel the anxiety which makes for a lively listen. Yeah, Silent Knight has weak moments, but its strong material makes it easier for me to gloss over them.

4.5/5