VOYAGE OF THE ACOLYTE

This album is definitely up their with the best of the Genesis albums, and also fits nicely as a transitional album in between The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and A Trick of the Tail. But, of course, this isn't a Genesis album at all, it's a Steve Hackett album, his first to be exact.

Hackett is the most underrated member of the classic five of Genesis. His sound was crucial to the progressive sound of the band, which explains why it sounds like a lot was lost after his departure.

This album was recorded immediately after Peter Gabriel left the band, and was actually the first solo album released by any member of Genesis. Steve Hackett had no intention of leaving Genesis for a solo career at this point, but instead had several ideas that never made it onto previous Genesis albums, so used this album as an outlet for those ideas, which is probably why it sounds so Genesisy. In addition, bandmates Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins make their appearances on this album. Collins plays drums and even makes his lead vocal debut on this album, although that credit is also shared by Sally Oldfield and Steve himself. Another notable addition is Steve's brother, John, who plays the flute in what one might be considered Peter Gabriel's place if this were considered a Genesis album. Of course, John would continue to play Flute for Steve on all his future albums, and would eventually embark on a solo career of his own.

The result is a phenomenal album from beginning to end. The first half is entirely instrumental, ranging from relaxing to frantic. It is progressive no doubt. The first vocal song, The Hermit, is sung by Steve. Hackett is by no means as strong a vocalist as Collins or Gabriel, but he can sing well, and on this song he sounds great. Phil's song is next, this song sounds like it could have been in A Trick of the Tail. It has a very relaxed yet playful atmosphere to it. After a brilliant classical guitar piece, the final song, which is the best part of the album commences. The vocal part, sung by Sally Oldfield, is beautiful and medieval sounding, with the perfect mix of mellotron and Steve's guitar playing dispersed in between just the way we like it. But the second half is a stunningly epic instrumental that builds in power and eventually takes over. This part was actually composed by Hackett and Rutherford during the Foxtrot sessions, and is very climactic in the same veign as the climax to Supper's Ready. For this song alone this album is worth getting. It's jut an added bonus that the rest of the album is also great.

Share this STEVE HACKETT review

Social review comments () BETA

---

---

Review related links

• Send comments to Gianthogweed
• Report this review (#93204)
• Buy STEVE HACKETT music online with PA partners
• Show all STEVE HACKETT MP3/Stream
• Go to STEVE HACKETT page for videos, full discography with ratings, reviews and much more
• Go to Voyage of the Acolyte page for more details, where to buy and ratings/reviews
• Search the Forum for STEVE HACKETT related discussions