Breakaway

Zoo Freaks, the Zoo Crew is cranking up the vibes with Breakaway, an instrumental gem by The Alan Parsons Project from the 1993 album Try Anything Once. This track stands out for its techno-pop flair, a departure from the band's earlier progressive rock roots. Fans on ProgArchives praise its immersive quadraphonic separation, noting that it delivers a near-surround sound experience even on stereo systems, especially when played through a setup like an Onkyo receiver. One reviewer described it as feeling "like hearing it for the first time," highlighting its dynamic production. The song’s futuristic, rhythmic pulse, credited to Alan Parsons’ production wizardry, makes it a favorite for audiophiles chasing crisp, layered soundscapes.

Another tidbit about Breakaway comes from its context within Try Anything Once. A review on Amazon suggests the track feels slightly out of place, almost like it wandered off the 1982 album Eye in the Sky, due to its polished, atmospheric vibe. Yet, this quality makes it a bridge between the classic Alan Parsons Project sound and Parsons’ solo explorations. The album itself marked a new chapter, being Parsons’ first without collaborator Eric Woolfson, and Breakaway showcases his willingness to experiment with electronic textures. Fans in the Alan Parsons Project Fan Group on Facebook often geek out over its intricate arrangement, with some calling it a hidden gem that captures Parsons’ knack for blending art rock with pop sensibilities.

The Alan Parsons Project began with Alan Parsons, a legendary audio engineer born in London in 1948. His career kicked off at 18 when he landed a gig at EMI’s tape duplication department. Blown away by the master tape of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, he hustled his way into Abbey Road Studios, starting as an assistant engineer in 1967. Parsons quickly made his mark, working as a tape operator during The Beatles’ Get Back sessions and earning his first credit on their Abbey Road album. His engineering chops shone on projects like Wings’ Wild Life, five albums by The Hollies, and Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon, which earned him a Grammy nomination. In 1975, he teamed up with songwriter Eric Woolfson to form The Alan Parsons Project, blending progressive rock, pop, and conceptual themes. Their debut, Tales of Mystery and Imagination, set the tone for a string of hits like I Robot and Eye in the Sky.

Parsons’ journey from studio tech to bandleader was fueled by his technical genius and creative vision. Despite his early days dabbling as a folk-blues guitarist in his teens, he found his calling behind the mixing board. His work with The Beatles and Pink Floyd gave him a deep understanding of sound design, which he channeled into The Alan Parsons Project’s lush, cinematic albums. After the Project disbanded in 1990, Parsons continued as a solo artist, with Try Anything Once being his bold first step. Today, he tours as the Alan Parsons Live Project, delivering the band’s classics to fans worldwide.

Stay connected with The Alan Parsons Project through their official website for tour dates, merch, and news. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes peeks. On X, catch posts about Alan’s latest projects and music. For fan-driven passion, check out the Alan Parsons Project Fan Group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks swap stories and trivia. Another great spot is The Alan Parsons Project Archives, a fan site loaded with album breakdowns and history. Keep those dials locked to THE ZOO, and let’s keep grooving to Breakaway!