Renaissance

Album Overview

"Turn Of The Cards" is the fifth studio album by the British progressive rock band Renaissance, released in 1974 through BTM Records. The album was recorded at De Lane Lea Music Center in Wembley, England, and later remixed at Media Sound in New York City. It features a blend of rock, symphonic rock, and progressive elements that define the band's sound during this era.

Musical Composition

The album opens with "Running Hard," a track that incorporates a passage adapted from French organist Jehan Alain. This nine-minute piece sets the tone for the album with its complex structure and rich instrumentation. Following this is "I Think Of You," a shorter, melodic song that showcases the lyrical contributions of Betty Thatcher, Renaissance's primary lyricist. The album continues with "Things I Don't Understand," which features a more intricate arrangement and a notable guitar solo.

On the second side, "Black Flame" introduces a darker mood with its driving rhythm. "Cold Is Being" offers a classical influence, being based on a composition by Tomaso Albinoni. The album closes with "Mother Russia," where Thatcher's lyrics evoke the sentiments of Russian writer Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who had been exiled to the West. The poignant lyrics address themes of freedom and suffering.

Production and Artwork

The production of "Turn Of The Cards" was handled by Dick Plant, alongside the band and Richard Gottehrer. The album features contributions from all band members, including Michael Dunford on acoustic guitar and vocals, John Camp on bass and vocals, and Annie Haslam on lead vocals. The orchestral arrangements were crafted by Jimmy Horowitz, adding a lush layer to the band's sound.

The album's cover art, designed by Joe Petagno, features tarot card imagery that complements the album's themes. Petagno is also known for his work with the band Motörhead, having created their famous "Snaggletooth" logo.

Track Credits

The songwriting on the album is primarily attributed to Betty Thatcher, with contributions from Michael Dunford and Jim McCarty. This collaboration between the band members and their lyricist is evident in the cohesive sound and thematic depth throughout the album.

"Turn Of The Cards" was released in 1974 as a vinyl LP album, featuring a total of six tracks.