A Valid Path (2004)
A Valid Path by Alan Parsons is a bold curveball in his discography—but it’s also a surprisingly brilliant one. Stepping away from the familiar territory of lite-prog and art rock, Parsons dives headfirst into electronica for this album. And the twist? It works. Really well. Like… shockingly well.
This record is layered, experimental, and ambitious—and honestly, I didn’t think I’d be stamping the NSA (No Skips Award™️) on A Valid Path, but dammit… it deserves it. If you’re a fan of electronic music, or even if you just respect genre experimentation, this album might be a game-changer for you.
Despite the stylistic shift, Parsons stays true to what’s made him such a standout musician and producer: clean, dynamic soundscapes, smart structure, and meticulous attention to sonic detail. The electronica flavor here never feels gimmicky. Instead, it feels like Parsons using a new paintbrush to create something authentically him—just with different textures.
The record opens with Return to Tunguska, an atmospheric, haunting track that builds into a steady, entrancing rhythm. Oh, and did I mention it features David Gilmour on guitar? Because it does. And it absolutely rips. It’s eerie, cinematic, and utterly memorable—one of the most gripping openers Parsons has ever delivered.
Tracks like More Lost Without You and You Can Run pull things in a poppier, more modern direction—featuring catchy synth riffs, solid vocals, and enough bounce to keep them stuck in your head for hours. They’re slick, digestible, and a lot of fun without ever losing that cerebral, Alan Parsons DNA.
One of the coolest surprises on the album is Mammagamma 04, a reimagined, electronic reboot of the instrumental classic from Eye in the Sky. It’s pulsing, updated, and gives new life to a beloved track. He does this again later with A Recurring Dream Within a Dream, a creative, modern spin on The Raven from Tales of Mystery and Imagination. Both remixes feel like respectful reinventions—familiar but fresh.
All in all, A Valid Path is a serious departure from the Parsons playbook, but it sticks the landing. It’s layered, genre-blending, and confidently executed. The electronica focus gives the record an edge that feels both experimental and natural, proving that Parsons isn’t just a master of production—he’s a master of reinvention.
Trust me—take the detour. It’s a valid path.
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Highlight Songs:
Return to Tunguska
A Recurring Dream Within a Dream
You Can Run
L’Arc en ciel
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Own it, Stream it, Forget about it?
Absolutely 100% worth owning and I never thought I was going to say that when judging this album by its cover and description. I was pleasantly surprised and I suggest that it belongs in everyone’s Alan Parsons collection. Buy it, jam to it, shake your ass to it, go crazy. It is great.
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Overall Rating:
4.5 Stars
