"Airborne" is the sixth and final studio album by British prog-rock band, Curved Air. Released in 1976, the album carries the continued theme of high-concept, genre-pushing compositions that are characteristic of the band's style.
The band lineup on this album involved Darryl Way (on vocals, keyboards, violin), Stuart Copeland (on drums, percussion), Tony Reeves (on bass, string bass), and Mick Jacques (on guitar, vocals). Sonja Kristina also provided vocals. Notably, this would be the only album featuring this combination of artists.
"Airborne" represents a diverse range of musical influences. From glimpses of jazz and hard rock to progressive rock and classical music, it fulfills the band's ambition to transcend conventional genres. Despite the high caliber of musicianship, the album received a mixed reception from critics. Some praised its inventive approach and intricate musicianship, while others felt that the band was straying too far from their earlier, more focused approach. Despite these mixed views, "Airborne" still holds a special place in the discography of Curved Air.
Key songs in the album include "Desiree", "Kids to Blame", and "Touch of Tequila", each presenting the elaborate melodic lines and intricate arrangements that Curved Air are known for. This album stands as a testament to the band's innovative nature, marked by their drive to experiment and push boundaries in the progressive rock genre.
