WHEN originally released in 1978, TWOTW became an instant phenomenon.

On top of winning some prestigious Sci-Fi awards, the album sold over 15 million copies, topped the charts in 11 countries and spent the equivalent of six years in the UK charts.

Then in 2006, Jeff Wayne brought his concept to the stage and the production sold out arenas year after year.

Now Jeff has revisited the album.

Why? Because Jeff kept getting asked what he would have done differently if he were to record the album today.

This – after 18 months in the recording studio – is the result.

The whole album has been totally re-recorded, with some of the same musicians but different vocalists.

In order to make the album more contemporary, there have been new arrangements, plus some added flourishes.

There is a greater emphasis on the beat –with more and meatier percussion; lots more keyboards and electronic effects (though it has to be said that all the iconic effects of the original album are the same), and some thoughtful acoustic guitar.

Also, check out the effects when the Journalist falls into the river – amazing!

As for the voice artistes, Jeff’s choices have been nothing less than inspired.

Replacing Richard Burton as the narrator and journalist, is the Hollywood legend Liam Neeson, whose slight Irish lilt and timbre is as distinctive and commanding as Burton’s original.

Burton recorded 74 parts of dialogue for the 1978 album, all of which were used.

Neeson has recorded 90 parts, which makes for a fuller, more rounded role.

Irish (though London-born) singer Maverick Sabre takes the part of Parson Nathaniel (originally Phil Lynott) whilst Joss Stone plays his wife Beth (originally Julie Covington).

The key role of The Artilleryman, played in 1978 by David Essex, is in the capable hands – er – vocal cords – of The Kaiser Chiefs’ Ricky Wilson, who will also perform the role in this years’ tour (and you gotta admit that he does sound a little like Essex).

But the Sung Thought of the Journalist is the big role, and up to now it has seemed that Justin Hayward could be the only man for the job.

However, Wayne has pulled a rabbit out of the hat and given the role to Gary Barlow; who does a fantastic job on Forever Autumn, the defining track of the whole album.

It’s a pity he won’t be doing it live – the tour will feature Marti Pellow in the role.

And the tale of the doomed ship The Thunderchild is told by the excellent Alex Clare.

The whole thing sounds fresher than the original and the added effects add a new dimension.

Of course the highlight of the album is Forever Autumn, and whilst the Mike Oldfield-like acoustic guitar is a lovely piece of extra frill, the voice of Gary Barlow has never sounded better.

All in all, Jeff Wayne has performed the impossible.

He has taken one of the most famous and well-loved albums ever recorded – one that has won plaudits the world over…… and improved it.

The guy is an absolute genius.

Oh yeah, there’s an excellent 52-page booklet with it too.

Sony Music. 88765406502