MARBLES

I've had this album for a year and a half, but I've only listened to a few tracks here and there, mostly getting caught up in other things. Well, I put on the first track "The Invisible Man," already knowing it very well, and I ended up playing the whole album (double version) straight through.

Simply put, I have never wanted so much to be part of an album in all my life. Marbles is unlike anything Marillion have done before. From start to finish, the album is eerie yet inspiring at the same time. Other than possibly "Don't Hurt Yourself," there are no attempts to make any radio hits as there have been on previous releases, and even this is arguable. Of the 15 tracks, 3 of them pass the 12 minute mark with Ocean Cloud being up near 18 (and including a somewhat metal section during the song, quite interesting for Marillion).

Rather go into detail on songs, I'll just say that there ought to be something on this album for everyone even if you're not a fan of Marillion post-Fish. The inspiration was clearly present during the writing and production of this album. It's a must for all.