Forever Changes Review: Orchestral Psychedelia With a Dark Edge

Ava Taylor
AlbumsPsychedelicFolkRock
Love - Forever Changes (1967)

9.5/10 — Love - Forever Changes (1967)

Pros

  • 'Alone Again Or'
  • Lush orchestration
  • Distinctive atmosphere

Cons

  • Cryptic lyrics
  • Paranoid tone

Forever Changes was made by a band led by Arthur Lee, with orchestral arrangements by David Angel. It was a modest seller on release but has become a cult classic.

What works

‘Alone Again Or’ is gorgeous, ‘The Red Telephone’ is eerie, and ‘You Set the Scene’ is a magnificent closer. The blend of baroque pop and psychedelic folk is unique, and Lee’s lyrics are full of foreboding.

Where it falters

The lyrics are cryptic and the mood is paranoid, so it can seem cold.

Verdict

A strange, beautiful, essential record.

Ava TaylorBy Ava Taylor