WILD ORCHIDS

"Wild Orchids" was released in 2006 and many consider this one of Steve Hackett's better solo albums.There's lots of variety and a guest orchestra helping out called THE UNDERWORLD ORCHESTRA.The sound quality is excellent and it's very modern sounding but man this pales when compared to "Voyage Of The Acolyte" or "Spectral Mornings". Just my opinion of course.

"A Dark Night In Toytown" kicks in quickly with a classical flavour and urgent sounding vocals. Some nice guitar a minute in and it's even better after 3 minutes. "Waters Of The Wild" has a catchy rhythm with an Indian flavour with sitar reminding me of THE BEATLES. A calm before 2 1/2 minutes with flute and other sounds before that rhythm kicks back in. "Set Your Compass" features gentle guitar as reserved vocals join in.This is kind of cool. "Down Street" has these deep spoken words and a beat. Some harmonica and horns too. I like the guitar after 5 minutes then we get a calm with flute. It ends in a classical manner.

"A Girl Called Linda" is a light and poppy tune with vocals. Flute and bass before 2 minutes. Catchy stuff. "To A Close" is a mellow tune with vocals and acoustic guitar standing out. Not a fan really. Another classical ending. "Ego And Id" is quite heavy with vocals. Love the guitar 2 1/2 minutes in. "Man In The Long Black Coat" is a Dylan cover.This one features some bluesy guitar and harmonica with reserved vocals. "Wolfwork" is orchestral to start with church bells. It kicks in with a beat and processed vocals contrasted with normal ones. Not a fan. "Why" is a short sampled music piece. "She Moves In Memories" has an epic classical intro and it stays orchestral throughout. "The Fundamentals Of Brainwashing" has this beat with deep almost spoken vocals. "Howl" opens with some great sounding guitar with heavy drums. Some nice piano in this one too.

Too much variety for my tastes and i'm just not that into it overall.