The Prodigal Stranger

"The Prodigal Stranger" is the tenth studio album by Procol Harum, released in 1991. This album marked the band's return after a 14-year hiatus. Although it received a tepid response from listeners, it played a significant role in sparking a successful reunion for the band.

The Prodigal Stranger is dedicated to the memory of B.J. Wilson, the band's drummer on all previous albums, who did not participate in this one. The album's creation began with Gary Brooker and Keith Reid writing songs together before deciding to involve other former members of Procol Harum.

Matthew Fisher, who had not played with the band since 1969's A Salty Dog, felt he easily reintegrated into the group, describing it as a natural continuation rather than a return. For "A Dream in Ev'ry Home," Fisher developed a riff at home, which he then enhanced with a bass line and drum parts using a sequencer.

Keith Reid envisioned "The Truth Won't Fade Away" as a reflection on ancient civilizations and their rise and fall, likening it to a movie in his mind.

Despite the album's mixed reception, the tour promoting it was well-received in Europe and the U.S. Robin Trower, who played on the album and co-wrote "All Our Dreams Are Sold," chose not to join the subsequent tour, leading to his replacement by Tim Renwick. Although the album didn't make the Billboard Top 100, "All Our Dreams Are Sold" achieved some success, reaching number 29 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Charts, though it peaked at number 95 in Canada.