Iron Butterfly needed to come out with a great follow-up album after the release of their best-known work, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida." What the band ultimately released fit the bill perfectly in my opinion. The music contained on "Ball" has a tighter, heavier sound to it, and it showcases the Butterfly's versatility in the overall feel of the songs. It it these qualities that make this my favorite Iron Butterfly album. Here's what you can look for as far as the individual songs are concerned.

1. "In The Time Of Our Lives": If you like "Vida" but have yet to hear any songs from "Ball," prepare to be blown away by this one. It's one of the heaviest songs on the disc. After starting off with a powerhouse of fuzz guitar and feedback, it mellows into a dark, Gothic-sounding tune of sadness and despair. And it ends with some militant snare drum work by Ron Bushy. What a way to start this album off!

2. "Soul Experience": Whereas the first track was firmly-planted on the heavy side, this one is decidedly lighter fare. The message contained within is simple but important: letting your "true" identity show and being open-minded about other people who do the same thing. It's a message I believe in wholeheartedly. As for the musical qualities of the song, it has an interesting drum/bassline, and nice use of echo on Erik's guitar. It's really one of my favorite cuts on the album.

3. "Lonely Boy": Forget what you may have heard on "Vida," THIS is how an Iron Butterfly love song should sound like! This one is beautiful in my opinion. From the gentle cymbal and guitar intro onward, this song borders on reverence for the woman it's meant for, whoever that may have been. A nice, slow waltz rhythm combined with Doug's organ/vocals and Erik's guitar make for what I'd imagine to be a great slow-dance song (although I've never slow-danced to it...). The essence of the lighter side of the Butterfly.

4. "Real Fright": Things get back on the heavy side of the tracks here. This one's fun to listen to, fast and frantic, but tight as anything else on "Ball." Doug shows a little humor here, with a "Twilight Zone"-sounding organ line in the quiet parts. It's kinda hard to describe this one, just be prepared for a fast ride.

5. "In The Crowds": This is one of the two songs on the album that are more psychedelic sounding. It's neither too light or too heavy. It could almost be looked at as a left-over track from "Vida." I personally had to get used to the song at first, but it's not bad at all. Just an easy-listening piece of psychedelia.

6. "It Must Be Love": This one rocks, plain and simple. Think back to the joy you felt when you realized you were in love for the first time. Now, add a bit of the Butterfly's heavier sound. You should have a fair idea of what this track sounds like. I think of it as a celebration of sorts. The band clearly sounds like they're having a good time. Another favorite of mine.

7. "Her Favorite Style": This is another Gothic-sounding tune, and it has a definite air of mystery about it. That having been said, I've always liked it. Doug and Erik play around a little with the organ and guitar parts in the beginning, and it's fun to listen to the result. This is one of the reasons that I call this album my favorite one by the Butterfly.

8. "Filled With Fear": Yet another Gothic tune, this one in the same vein as "In The Time Of Our Lives." I really like Erik's guitar here, whether it's the spaced-out sounds effects or the mournful solos he cranks out of it. This one's another waltz too, so that just adds to the Gothic nature of the sound. Another one not to be missed.

9. "Belda-Beast": This curiously titled piece is the brainchild of Erik Braunn, and as such, is pretty psychedelic in nature. I can definitely detect some Pink Floyd influence here. The rhythm alternates from 4/4 time to a waltz, and the song as a whole almost sounds dreamy, even when it comes to Erik's solo. Of note is the final organ solo, where Doug obviously ran the Vox Continental through a fuzzbox. The result is one of my favorite examples of the Butterfly's heavy sound. It simply sounds SOLID. A great way to cap this album off.

There you have it: all the tracks of "Ball" encapsulated into one review as best as I could. This album is simply a staple for any true fan to have in their collection. In my opinion, it does a fine job of capturing the essence of the band when they were in their prime. I would recommend it to anyone.

Recommended: Yes

Great Music to Play While: Hanging With Friends