"XII" is the eighth studio album by the English rock band Barclay James Harvest, first released in September 1978. The band, originally formed in 1967, had built a reputation for their symphonic, progressive rock sound by the time this album was recorded. The lineup for Barclay James Harvest during the recording of "XII" consisted of John Lees, Les Holroyd, Mel Pritchard, and Stuart "Woolly" Wolstenholme.
The album's name reflects the fact that it was the band's twelfth release, including both live and studio albums. One unique trait of "XII" is that it's the final Barclay James Harvest album to feature Woolly Wolstenholme until his return to the band in 1990.
Some of the notable tracks in the album include "Berlin," "In Search of England," "Nova Lepidoptera," and "The Song (They Love to Sing)." The album covers various themes and genres, blending pop, prog, and art rock with a touch of folk, showcasing the band's skillful fusion of different musical styles.
Upon its release, "XII" reached number 30 on the UK Albums Chart, reflecting the band's widespread popularity in the late 1970s and making "XII" one of the most significant releases in Barclay James Harvest's discography.
As of today, "XII" stands as a landmark Barclays James Harvest album and continues to be appreciated by fans of the band and the progressive rock genre as a whole. Despite numerous lineup changes and shifts in musical direction, "XII" perfectly captures the essence of what made Barclay James Harvest one of the most innovative English rock bands of their era.
