"Hallelujah Babe" (1971) : progressive from the German-based group Hallelujah

Hallelujah were a short-lived German-based band that included drummer Keith Forsey and guitarist Paul Vincent. Both had previously played alongside legendary German saxophonist Klaus Doldinger in Motherhood.
Hallelujah Babe was recorded in the UK but released only in Germany, the core duo joined in the studio by future Steeleye Span bassist Rick Kemp, and keyboard player Pete Wood.
It's a mixed bag, and has definite moments of greatness. However, it's the epic opening track, Hallelujah, which pretty much eclipses everything that follows, making the album feel like it peaked a bit too early. At first you could be forgiven for thinking you're listening to a church choir chanting a chorus of "Hallelujah!", until the doomy, heavy guitar chords kick in, followed by pounding drums and eerie organ sounds. It's a glorious early-prog moment.
Waterloo is a strong contender for second-best track, with its ultra-groovy organ/guitar interplay on the opening riff coming across like a cross between early Sabbath and Purple, with jazzy drum breaks and frantic lead guitar key elements. Elsewhere, things are generally more laid back: Signs Of Strange is a piano-led prog ballad with catchy vocal melodies, while Z.I.P. and The Winter Song are dreamier spaced-out pleasantries.
Sadly Hallelujah Babe was the sole album from a band that showed promise.
Forsey would go on to co-write such hits as Hot Stuff for Donna Summer and Don't You (Forget About Me) for Simple Minds, and produce records for Billy Idol, Icehouse, Charlie Sexton and more.