(Used) MAGNUM cd collection Chase the Dragon Goodnight L.A. Marauder Eleventh Hour Vintage
Magnum developed a distinctive blend of melodic hard rock, progressive arrangements and fantasy-inspired storytelling. At the centre were Tony Clarkin’s songwriting and Bob Catley’s dramatic voice, supported by sweeping keyboards and memorable guitar melodies.
These five CDs cover Magnum’s early live energy, their first major breakthrough, an underrated follow-up and the polished melodic rock of Goodnight L.A.
Chase the Dragon
Released in 1982, Chase the Dragon was Magnum’s first major breakthrough and remains one of their essential albums.
“Soldier of the Line” opens with considerable dramatic weight, while “The Spirit” and “Sacred Hour” became permanent live favourites. “On the Edge of the World,” “Walking the Straight Line” and the emotional “The Lights Burned Out” demonstrate Tony Clarkin’s ability to combine hard rock with progressive atmosphere.
The best starting point for Magnum’s classic early sound.
Goodnight L.A.
Released in 1990, Goodnight L.A. followed the success of Wings of Heaven and presented Magnum at their most polished and radio-friendly.
Produced by Keith Olsen, the album emphasises powerful choruses and streamlined arrangements. “Rockin’ Chair” became its best-known single, supported by “Heartbroke and Busted,” “Reckless Man,” “No Way Out,” “What Kind of Love Is This” and “Born to Be King.”
A strong choice for fans of late-1980s melodic hard rock.
Marauder
Marauder captures Magnum live at London’s Marquee Club in December 1979, before the release of Chase the Dragon.
The performance includes early favourites such as “If I Could Live Forever,” “The Battle,” “In the Beginning,” “Reborn,” “Changes” and “Lords of Chaos.” Without the elaborate studio production of later albums, it reveals a younger, tougher and more progressive band.
An important document of Magnum’s formative years and a worthwhile collectors’ release.
The Eleventh Hour
Released in 1983, The Eleventh Hour continued the style established on Chase the Dragon but with a darker atmosphere and more restrained production.
“The Prize” and “Breakdown” provide the immediate hard-rock attack, while “The Great Disaster,” “Vicious Companions,” “So Far Away” and “The Word” feature the dramatic storytelling associated with Clarkin’s writing.
Often overshadowed by the albums around it, The Eleventh Hour remains an underrated part of Magnum’s early catalogue.
Vintage Magnum
Vintage Magnum is a compilation concentrating on material from the band’s early Jet Records period.
The selection revisits the progressive and hard-rock sound that preceded Magnum’s later commercial breakthrough. Expect theatrical vocals, prominent keyboards, extended arrangements and the fantasy atmosphere that characterised their formative work.
A useful companion to Chase the Dragon, The Eleventh Hour and Marauder, particularly for collectors exploring early Magnum.