SPECTRAL MORNINGS

Steve Hackett

Eclectic Prog

4.16 | 977 ratings

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shyman

After the brilliant but somewhat irregular "Please don't touch" Steve Hackett released an album which turned out to be considered as one of his top works to this day.

A much more balanced, consistent and elaborated album, "Spectral Mornings" showcased the talens of Steve Hackett both as a guitarist and as a composer.

The record opens with "Everyday", which starts with upbeat vocal harmonies and finishes with spectacular and elegant guitar textures, showcasing Steve's special ability with tapping. "The Virgin and the Gipsy" is a beautiful song heavily influenced with folk and it is obvious that John Hackett achieves one of his greatest performances here."The Red Flower of Tachai Blooms Everywhere " is an interesting addition with eastern melodies included, showing Steve's special interest in expertimentation. "The Ballad of the descomposing man" is the weirdest and probably weakest track we can found, although the vocal textures (quite characteristic in Genesis early records and throughout Steve's career ad well) and the rhytmic section at the end are still pretty interesting. "Lost Time in Cordoba" is another proof of Steve's fascination with classical pieces, being a quite relaxing and elegant song. And finally, the last two tracks are for me (along with "Every Day") the strongest section of the album. "Tigermoth" is an echanting, dark and strong piece which tells the story of some World War fighters. And the closing ant title track, "Spectral Mornings" is an atmospheric and melodic instrumental piece in which Steve shows again his elegant and personal way of performing guitar solos.

So, Steve Hackett ended the decade reaching a creative climax which he would have difficulties in maintining in subsequent efforts. "Spectral Mornings" is indeed an essential piece for any follower of this brilliant guitarist and composer, and of progressive rock in general. Five stars all around.

shyman | 5/5 | 2007-5-29

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