"The Missing Piece" is the ninth album by British progressive rock band Gentle Giant. It was released in 1977 and symbolized a change in the band's direction with more accessible and rearranged rock tunes. The band intended to create music that was more commercially successful, but still maintained the classic Giant sounds and styles.
"The Missing Piece" was a forward-thinking and arguably brave move for Gentle Giant. The band moved away from the textural and rhythmic intricacies that had become hallmarks of their sound. On this album, they chose to focus on a more streamlined, hard rock approach.
The album features ten tracks, including the popular song 'Two Weeks in Spain.' Other featured songs are 'Betcha Thought We Couldn't Do It,' 'As Old as You're Young,' 'Winning,' and 'Mountain Time.'
Despite the change in their musical approach, the album was not a significant commercial success. However, it received varying responses from critics and fans. Over the years, while some criticize the band's departure from its progressive past, others laud the new direction as a daring and necessary experience.
Gentle Giant's lineup during the recording of the record included Derek Shulman (vocals), Ray Shulman (bass, violin, guitar, vocals), John Weathers (drums), Kerry Minnear (keyboards, vocals), and Gary Green (guitars). Despite the mixed reception, "The Missing Piece" remains an essential part of Gentle Giant's discography and evokes a point of significant transition in the band's career.
