THIS STRANGE ENGINE

Marillion's "This Strange Engine" is one of the most underrated Marillion albums of the Hogarth era. Easily accessible to Old and new proggers alike, it brings flowing melodies, beautiful acoustics and lyrics of a level which can be called nothing less than poetic.

Opening with "Man Of A Thousand Faces" and closing with the title track, this album never fails to inspire or bring enjoyment, even in its down points.

Best Tracks - This Strange Engine - Memory Of Water - One Fine Day - Estonia

This Strange Engine: Flowing piano melodies and beautiful guitar solos bring this album to its high closing point, combining fantastic rock and highly emotional vocals which bring fantastic enjoyment to one's ears. This 15 minute masterpiece spans several different sub-genres, from acoustic to Jazz-fusion, and pulls it off wonderfully. Closing with Steve Hogarth's yells and Steve Rothery's electric guitar chords, this track is the highlight of this album

Memory Of Water: This orchestral track, whilst the shortest on the album, is one of the best. Violins and cellos are the instruments solely work to bring this song alive, and work hand-in-hand with Steve Hogarth's amazing voice to bring together what is an awe inspiring song.

One Fine Day: Opening with Pink Floyd-esque organs and guitar, this track reaches its high point towards the end, with its bridging lyrics "Did we fall asleep, babe? Dreamin' the dream, babe" it reaches a fantastic continuation of the lyric and also an inspiring use of the same chorus over an even better melody.

Estonia: This track is nothing less than beautiful. Carrying its main lyric

"Noone leave you, When you live in their heart and mind And no one dies They just move to the other side When we're gone.. Watch the world simply carry on We live on laughing and in no pain We'll stay and be happy With those who have loved us today"

Proudly throughout the entire track. Although slightly corny lyrics, Marillion manage to pull it off in a way that pulls just as much on the listener's heart string as it does the guitar.

Marillion's "This Strange Engine" is a brilliant piece of prog from Marillion, and an album that will stick with you for years after the initial listen.

I highly suggest you pick up a copy.