Crises is my favourite of Mike Oldfield's eighties CDs. As with its direct predecessor, it contains one long piece which took up the whole of the first side of the original vinyl and a set of shorter tracks, five in this case, on the second side. The shorter songs on the earlier albums were often a lot weaker than the longer pieces. Partly that was because Oldfield's musical style was not transferring well to shorter pieces but also, the lyrics were often quite dire.

Experience clearly helped a lot but also collaboration with other musicians. On Crises, the most notable name is Jon Anderson of Yes who is creditied with lyrics and vocals on one song "In High Places" which really sounds as though it could have come from a contemporary Yes album.

The opening track, "Crises" is classic Oldfield music and in places harks back to his first album "Tubular Bells" so fans will reconise the motifs and see how he takes them forwards in a more rock based style.

Moonlight Shadow is Oldfield's finest short song. The great lyrics of this dark lament really give Maggie Reilly a proper showcase for her fine voice. Also, on this track we get to find out that Oldfield really can play a proper blues style guitar sole. It's one of those songs that everyone has heard which stays with you for a long time.

This is probably the best introduction to Oldfield's later output for anyone who knows him only as the "Tubular Bells" man.

About two weeks ago i listened once again to "Crises" and i found it not as bad as after buying...i have rediscovered it as a CD with some really great moments,the title track simply growes ojn you after many listenings...
ok, here are my impressions about all tracks...

1)"CRISES" - about 21 minutes long suite. Starts with a soft theme played by a synth and tubular bells.
after it we have a two small guitar based themes.the second one has even a loops of car engine sound and ambulance...
Later it grows in more and more energetic and full of agressive guitars title song (Mike sings as a main vocalist in this suite).
The title song is an angry anthem, where mike roars "Crises, crises!!! you can't get away...". it is a really great moment of this album.Guitar work is impressive...
Later on the atmosphere changes with "The watcher and the tower" song. It is a gentle and pathetic track with wonderfull vocals and beautifull guitar...the drums are rythmic and are a solid back-up for a melody...
"watcher and the tower" fades into a quiet variation of beginning theme...This is the most beautifull moment from here,and worth af buying whole album...Gentle synth and bass and a fantastic guitar solo...
Then the coda of "Crises" beggins...Coda is a synth variation of one of the themes from here...And this is where the suite gets boring.The loud and almost 8 minutes long ending is repetative and irritating...Even the "ommadawn" styled ending (tribal srums and female vocals) are not makling it better...
and so this suite should end after 12 minutes, not after 20...
3,5/4

2)"Moonlight shadow" - the most well-known and biggest hit ever of Mike Oldfield. I think that every person in the world heard it at least one time in lifetime...It's a nice acoutic guitar based track, with sweet vocals by Maggie reilly...sounds a bit like Fleetwod Mac songs.The guitar solo is the best one that Mike ever played.listen to this solo and you will know why he is such a genius.
5/5

3)"In high places" - A great colaboration with Jon Anderson (Yes singer). simple but very catchy song about flying.extremly cool melody. Synths and Vibraphone parts are remarkable.wonderfull.
5/5

4)"Forreign affair" - another hit single. monnotonic song based on one repetative chorus.Could be a Typical eighties pop but Mike made it kind of Mantra song...very hypnotising track...but although it is interesting it is a little bit boring.
4/5

5) "Taurus III" - third part of Taurus trilogy.A flamenco styled song but nothing special.Classical guitars are very irritating.it is a filler.just skip it
2/5

6."Shadow one the wall" - Energetic Rocker...memorable vocals by Roger Chapman...the most energetic song from here.i love almost everything about it.from the bass line to hidden banjo...
sadly the version that is here is the edit of original track that appears on "Elements" and "the complete" compilations...get the longer and original version!!!!!
3,75/5

In the end- this album is maybe not hte worster Mike 's album, but it is not his best either...there are brilliant moments on here and whole album is a classic but beside "Earth moving" it is the weakest eighties Cd of Oldfield...go and buy "QE2" of "five Miles out"!!! well, you can check "crises" too but do not expect his genius at full on here...

this album is really worth the money you pay for it. you'll never get bored of it, i promise. the first track is a nice instrumental that is wild at times and very gentle and pleasant at others. i know this description is corny, but you've got the hear this work of art to appreciate its beauty. it is pure emotion. the other tracks (all with lyrics except for taurus 3) are heart-breakingly haunting, especially 'moonlight shadow' (which was inspired by john lennon's untimely and violent death). the melody of this song doesn't let you go and will haunt you for ever (in a pleasant way). i think mike oldfield is one of the best and most talented musicians around. buy this album, you won't regret it.

I love Crises! Once again Mike created a very powerful piece and was an impressive attempt at a variation of heavy metal. Like all of his CDs this track was full of harmony and the rock was great. I love Moonlight Shadow... the tune is very strong and powerful... if Maggie's voice was a little more powerful throughout the piece it would have been even better. In High Places is onna the best songs I have heard... it's dreamy and space-like mood as well as its powerful lyrics make this song truly unique and wonderful. Even if you aren't a Mike Oldfield fan, I would recommend this CD anyway. It isn't New Age either...

This cd is awesome. If your looking for very good music and fantastic drumming this cd is your best choice. Mike Oldfield has put together some very fine music rendations the guitar and drums blend together to form a sound that is mystical and alive .I reccomend this and give it a 5 star you must buy it and sit back,close you eyes and enjoy some awesome music