Rajaz Audio CD – Import, October 21, 1999

From start till finish, this album is journey through the music of the sands, just like it is suggested on the cover photo; we actually find written on the inner booklet that "rajaz" is the poetry of the deserts.Andy has some of his best guitar performances here, especially on the long final track, "Lawrence".The lyrics are very well written, some being inspired from Latimer's personal life experience, like on the title "Straight to my Heart". The album should be looked at as a whole, almost like a concept album. If you lay back and listen to it, you'll fell it flowing gently from one track to another.An album that has its own individuality amongst all Camel's disks.In my point of view, highly recommended.

This CD is so good you'll want to listen to it over and over and over again and never get tired of it. All of the songs are classic CAMEL productions and will most certainly stand the test of time. They are all very deep and intense songs.

Love this CD -- wish was available on vinyl. The music is dreamy and transports you to a place far away, with its Arabic-inspired music and melodies. Parts also remind me of lyrical Pink Floyd. A true classic to own and enjoy, again and again.

Soothing music

Andrew Latimer plays his best guitar here... "Lawrence" sounds better than the best Pink Floyd song... this album is my "desert island" album fron far...

This is one of Camel's best. We listened to it twice in a row. I only discovered Camel a little more than a year ago and this is a great addition to my library.

Camel Rajaz is another fine example of what is meant by "symphonic progrock". The lushy organ chords harmonizing behind Andy's somewhat bluesy lead guitar style, similar to that of B.B King with more of his emotions being relayed thru the instrument. The dark and eery organ chords also harmonize behind Andy's reverberated vocals, giving Camel's style a derivative characteristic from that of Pink Floyd's, and also of Genesis with the keyboardist's style evolving along that of Tony Bank's unique keyboard style.

I love Camel and own just about every recording in their expansive catalogue and I would have to say that Rajaz is right up there for me in terms of pure listening enjoyment with their other better known works like "Snow Goose", "Mirage" and "Moonmadness" Trippy atmospheric music which transports the listener right into the heart of the Sahara desert (at least in their minds) and is truly moving and timeless. Excellent choice and highly recommended for both fans of Camel and for people who just want to listen to relaxing and thoughtful music.