Possibly the unluckiest man in music, Terry Reid has managed to drop through just about every net in the business. Reid was asked by Jimmy Page in 1968 to front Led Zeppelin. He was too busy to take him up on the offer. Robert Plant, who became the king of heavy rock frontmen, has acknowledged Reid as the outstanding voice of his generation and an influence on Led Zeppelin’s early material, but Reid never achieved anything like the dizzy heights of Zep. He also turned down the chance to front Deep Purple. And they say that lightning never strikes twice.
Seed of Memory is a highly underrated and relatively unknown classic album by Terry Reid, released in 1976 on ABC Records. Produced by the renowned Graham Nash, formerly of The Hollies and Crosby, Stills & Nash, as well as the supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash & Young, the album showcases Reid’s epic vocal prowess and majestic songwriting, solidifying its status as a hidden gem of the era.
Terry Reid’s voice is a force to be reckoned with, and Seed of Memory fully captures the raw power and soulfulness that he possesses. With a rich and resonant timbre, Reid’s ability to convey emotion and vulnerability is evident throughout the album, creating an immersive listening experience. The songwriting, too, is nothing short of exceptional. Reid’s compositions are introspective and deeply personal, touching on themes of love, longing and self-discovery. The album effortlessly traverses various musical styles, including rock, folk, soul and blues, showcasing Reid’s versatility as a songwriter and musician.
The title track, Seed of Memory, stands out as one of the highlights of the album. With its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, it’s a particularly breathtaking performance by the man his contemporaries called ‘superlungs’. Another standout track is Brave Awakening, a dynamic and powerful rock anthem that showcases Reid’s frighteningly effortless vocal range and his ability to infuse emotion into every note. Driving guitars riffs and an infectious rhythm command attention. The lyrics of Faith to Arise explore themes of hope, resilience and personal growth, and Reid’s vocal performance is filled with passion and sincerity, carrying the weight of the lyrics and delivering them with utmost conviction. The true highlight on the record for me, however, is the deeply rhythmic To Be Treated Right. A ballad of contemplation that penetrates way more than just the ears.
Throughout the album, Reid’s collaboration with producer Graham Nash is evident. Nash’s musical sensibilities and production expertise beautifully complement Reid’s sound, allowing the songs to flourish while maintaining a sense of intimacy and authenticity. His harmonies are pure gold too – but what else would you expect from one of rock music’s most celebrated harmony icons?
While Seed of Memory may not have received the recognition it deserved upon its release, it remains a testament to Terry Reid’s talent as a vocalist, songwriter, and musician. Exploring the depths of this record is just the start.
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