CLUTCHING AT STRAWS

Marillion's final album with Fish, this would be the end of the 'classic' period that many fans seem to cling to. This album is particularly well-written and a very worthy successor to the band's previous album Misplaced Childhood.

Many of the songs on this album revolve around themes of self-loathing and alcoholism. While the music itself is dramatic, the lyrics are very descriptive and evocative, yet are written in such a way that they may resonate in many listeners. The music as well flows brilliantly at times, and songs such as the dramatic White Russian are highlights.

The amount of variety available on this album additionally contributes to its success. While the style remains similar, the songs possess different themes and tempos which keep it from being too samey or too boring, and the whole thing flows wonderfully.

As many of the songs on here are fantastically written with very poignant lyrics and many great melodies, I feel as though this is one of the albums that encapsulates the Fish era very well.