The third time proved to be the charm for Uriah Heep: On Look at Yourself, the group perfects their fusion of heavy metal power and prog rock majesty and the result is one of the best albums in their catalog. The gauntlet is thrown down by the title track, a powerful rocker that layers its... [+] Expand

The third time proved to be the charm for Uriah Heep: On Look at Yourself, the group perfects their fusion of heavy metal power and prog rock majesty and the result is one of the best albums in their catalog. The gauntlet is thrown down by the title track, a powerful rocker that layers its relentless hard rock attack with ornate vocal harmonies and quicksilver organ runs before climaxing with a tribal-sounding drum jam. The remainder of Look at Yourself's tracks present an effective blend of gutsy guitar rock and organ-fuelled prog excursions. In the rock arena, the gems are "Tears in My Eyes," a powerful rocker driven by an almost rockabilly-style riff that stops midway for a surprising vocal harmony break supported by smooth wah-wah guitar, and "Love Machine," a short, punchy slice of hard rock built on an infectious, stomping rhythm. However, the best track on the album is one of the more prog-oriented ones: "July Morning" starts with a pastoral organ riff then builds into a heavy yet symphonic rock tune that divides its time between gentle acoustic verses and emotional, organ-fuelled choruses before climaxing in a monstrous jam dominated by a swirling Moog synthesizer lead. Special note should also be taken of David Byron's vocal performance; his multi-octave, operatic style was no doubt an influence on later metal vocalists like Rob Halford. All in all, Look at Yourself is both one of Uriah Heep's finest, most cohesive albums and a high point of 1970s heavy metal. ~ Donald A. Guarisco, All Music Guide [-] Collapse

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