What does it sound like?:
Since his first solo album, in 1975, Steve Hackett’s popularity has grown, steadily and gradually. Although, if you read the mainstream music magazines and listen to the radio, you could be forgiven for thinking he retired years ago. In fact he is touring more than ever and, amongst the prognoscenti, he is revered as something of a Guitar God. At The Edge of Light is his 26th album and it is up there with his very best.
The title of the album is simply where he feels the world is currently at – right at the boundary between light and dark. Without being obvious about it, he has chucked Brexit, Trump, Russia and North Korea into a World Music melting pot (I wish)….and cooked up a delicious feast. There are echoes from North Africa, Turkey, India, Europe and the Southern USA.
This is probably his least acoustic album. There is plenty of light and shade, just none of Hackett’s trademark acoustic numbers which would hark back to his Genesis days. That said, he has written a batch of songs that are amongst some of the best he has written since the late ‘70’s. And his guitar playing seems to get better and better. The central core track, Those Golden Wings, is 11 minutes of beautiful chord changes, wonderful melodies, culminating in a blistering solo which roars out of the speakers. It will be an instant favourite amongst his loyal live audience and I can’t wait to hear it on the huge tour he has booked, later this year. Joyous!
Underground Railroad has a soulful feel, with some glorious gospel vocals, and suddenly you’re in the Southern States of America.
The album is beautifully arranged, with orchestral interludes that bind the songs together. Roger King on keyboards deserves huge credit for these arrangements.
The album ends with a trilogy of songs, Descent, Conflict and Peace, which are incredibly powerful. Conflict has a lovely nod back to Genesis and, once again, the orchestration is wonderful.
The album was mostly recorded at Hackett’s studio and the sound is immaculate. Apart from the usual Digital, CD and Vinyl versions there is also a CD+DVD which contains a 5.1 mix and a behind the scenes documentary.
What does it all *mean*?
It is a terrific album and deserves a wider audience than it will probably get.
Goes well with…
This isn’t background music. The album deserves to be played from start to finish. It has a musical arc that you miss if you have it on ‘shuffle.’
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Thought-provoking music.
Baron Harkonnen says
I enjoyed your review @niallb and have the CD/DVD version on pre-order, your review has made me look forward to the release even more. The album will be my first new release of 2019 with Mercury Rev, Lau, Claypool Lennon and Tom Russell to follow.
I have seen Mr. Hackett in concert 3 times and he and his fellow musicians never fail to excell, alas due to the unpredictable nature of my health I will no longer be attending live shows. However S.H. always seems to release his various tours on CD & DVD so that`ll be my way to go.
Steve deserves more recognition for his musicianship and his role in Genesis, I found it disgusting the way he was treated in that Genesis documentary from a few years ago especially by that begrudging and jaundiced curmudgeon Tony Banks.
thecheshirecat says
Le nouveau Lau album est arrivee. Only a couple of listens so far and it’s not grabbed me like Arc Light or Race the Loser yet, though if it was by anyone else I would be delighted. The interesting thing to me is that I don’t think there’s anything in there which could count as ‘folk’ any longer, yet that remains how they are billed.
Neil Jung says
You must be posting under the wrong heading!
thecheshirecat says
au contraire Blackadder, I responded to the Baron’s 2019 shopping list.
Vincent says
Hackett leaving Genesis left them as a largely mediocre act. They cried all the way to the bank – but the dissatisfaction is palpable, IMHO.
SteveT says
Really enjoyed that review to the extent that I have ordered the album. You should try for commission @niallb.
Genesis were my favoutite Prog band until Gabriel left and even then for a couple of albums afterwards but Phil Collins turned them MOR. Saw them about 5 times with Gabriel in and then a couple of times with Collins leading – I think on the trick of the trail tour.
Still his solo of Firth of Firth still gives me goosebumps.
niallb says
I loved both versions of Genesis. Steve is really keeping the flame alive. I saw last year’s tour and his band are brilliant at recreating the Gabriel classics.
Martin S says
Loving the album. Does anyone else think the ending leaves things hanging in the air musically? As the final track finishes it feels like another song is forthcoming (but it isn’t!)
niallb says
Agreed Martin. If it was a film you would be expecting “To be continued” to come up before the credits.