Look at Yourself

Zoo Freaks, get ready to vibe with the heavy riffs of Uriah Heep’s “Look at Yourself,” a track from their 1971 album of the same name. This song, penned by keyboardist Ken Hensley, is a raw, introspective anthem that dives deep into self-reflection. In a Songfacts interview, Hensley shared that the song was deeply personal, written during a time when he was grappling with decisions about his career and personal life. The “yourself” in the title originally referred to Hensley himself, but its universal message resonates with listeners, urging them to find guidance within. Fun fact: this was Uriah Heep’s first single released in the UK, though it didn’t chart there—it did, however, hit #33 in Germany and #4 in Switzerland. Another twist? Lead vocalist David Byron, known for his soaring voice, couldn’t sing on this track due to throat issues, so Hensley stepped up to take the lead vocals, giving the song a unique edge.

The recording of “Look at Yourself” had its own wild energy. The title track features guest artists, including members of the percussion-heavy band Osibisa, who added a distinctive rhythmic flair. Prog Archives notes that the song’s raw, Hammond organ-driven sound, courtesy of Hensley, is one of the most intense in Uriah Heep’s catalog, blessing listeners with a gritty, hard-rock vibe. The album’s iconic cover, with its reflective “mirror” design, was a bold visual statement, and some vinyl pressings even included a literal mirror-like foil, as mentioned on Discogs. Fans on Facebook still rave about the track’s explosive energy, with posts calling it a cornerstone of 70s British hard rock. The song’s legacy endures, with X posts from 2025 highlighting its status as a hard-rock reference point, even if it wasn’t a commercial smash.

Uriah Heep got their start in London in 1969, evolving from a band called Spice, which included guitarist Mick Box and vocalist David Byron. According to Wikipedia, Spice had been gigging and even recorded a single in 1968, but the addition of keyboardist Ken Hensley, formerly of The Gods, was a game-changer. Hensley’s love for Vanilla Fudge’s organ-heavy sound inspired the band to expand their sonic palette, blending hard rock with progressive elements. The name “Uriah Heep,” inspired by a character from Charles Dickens’ *David Copperfield*, was chosen in December 1969, a nod to the Dickens centenary buzz at the time. Their debut album, *Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble* (1970), released on Vertigo, got mixed reviews—famously, a *Rolling Stone* critic vowed to “commit suicide” if the band made it—but fans embraced their heavy, theatrical style. With drummer Lee Kerslake joining by 1971, the band solidified their lineup and hit their stride with albums like *Look at Yourself*.

Over their 56-year career, Uriah Heep has seen numerous lineup changes, with Mick Box as the sole constant. They’ve sold over 40 million albums worldwide, cementing their status as pioneers of hard rock, heavy metal, and progressive rock. Their early influences, like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin, shaped their sound, but Uriah Heep carved out a niche with Hensley’s organ solos and Byron’s dramatic vocals. Today, the band—featuring Box, vocalist Bernie Shaw, keyboardist Phil Lanzon, drummer Russell Gilbrook, and bassist Dave Rimmer—still tours relentlessly, rocking venues from Japan to the Balkans. Check out their official site at uriah-heep.com, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans can also connect on the Uriah Heep Fan Club on Facebook or dive into fan-made tributes at sites like eHeep, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over the band’s epic discography.