The Magician’s Birthday is the fifth album by British rock band Uriah Heep, released in November 1972 by Bronze Records in the UK and Mercury Records in the US. The concept was “based loosely on a short story” written by keyboardist Ken Hensley in June and July 1972. More @ Wikipedia
The album features the celebrated lineup of David Byron (vocals), Mick Box (guitar), Ken Hensley (keyboards, songwriting), Gary Thain (bass), and Lee Kerslake (drums). Musically, The Magician’s Birthday blends heavy guitar riffs, rich Hammond organ textures, layered vocal harmonies, and progressive arrangements, balancing accessibility with experimentation.
Tracks such as “Sunrise,” “Sweet Lorraine,” and “Blind Eye” showcase the band’s melodic strength and dynamic songwriting, while the epic title track “The Magician’s Birthday” closes the album with an extended, theatrical composition that incorporates fantasy storytelling, instrumental interplay, and an improvised jam section—highlighting the band’s musicianship and live performance spirit.
Lyrically, the album draws from mythology, mysticism, introspection, and imagination, contributing to its timeless and almost cinematic atmosphere. Over time, The Magician’s Birthday has become regarded as a cornerstone of Uriah Heep’s classic catalog, frequently cited alongside Demons and Wizards as a defining statement of their early sound.
Tracks
All tracks are written by Ken Hensley except where noted.
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | “Sunrise” | 4:04 | |
| 2. | “Spider Woman” | Mick Box, David Byron, Lee Kerslake, Gary Thain | 2:25 |
| 3. | “Blind Eye” | 3:33 | |
| 4. | “Echoes in the Dark” | 4:48 | |
| 5. | “Rain” | 4:00 |
| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6. | “Sweet Lorraine” | Box, Byron, Thain | 4:13 |
| 7. | “Tales” | 4:09 | |
| 8. | “The Magician’s Birthday” | Box, Hensley, Kerslake | 10:21 |
Album Cover
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