Procol Harum has always distinguished itself as a highly original band, both musically and lyrically. Their earlier works challenged the listener and offered alternatives to the predictable music scene. Prodigal Stranger, while giving us the core band together again, is an enormous disappointment (I'm being kind giving it 2 stars).  Brooker and Reid, always able to arrest us in the past with the force of their creativity, have sold out on this one, reaching for nothing and settling for the lowest common denominator of commerciality. These people should never have let this one out - on their worst day they can top this mediocrity.  If you need something current and different by the band, you'll have to check out the excellent solo work by Gary Brooker called "In This House". It's a true pleasure.  Pass on Prodigal Stranger.