SPECTRAL MORNINGS

Spectral Morning's is Steve Hackett's third solo record, and is more honest to his solo sound than the Genesis-sounding Voyage of the Acoylte. With that said, I still think VotA is a much stronger album. It's not that the melodies and atmospheric moments are missing on this album, it's just that they're not as good.

The album starts off with 'Every Day' (8/10) which is an upbeat and cheery, but rather simple number. The main melody is great, and the ending guitar solo is Hackett at his best.

'Virgin and the Gypsy'(5/10) is pretty decent and I especially like the parts with the Mellotron and flute. But the vocals really hamper this one, as they do in a lot of these songs.

'The Red Flower of Tachi Blooms Everywhere' (5/10) is a serene instrumental with a strong Eastern feel, but otherwise is uninteresting.

'Clocks ? The Angel of Mons' (7/10) is based around a strong harmonic riff between bass and guitar. The drums are also pounding here to give the song a heavier sound than a lot of Steve's other songs.

If it weren't for the vocals, 'The Ballad of the Decomposing Man,' (4/10) might have been a decent song, though I do like the complete change in style and sound that occurs halfway.

'Lost Time In Cordoba' (5/10) is a nice instrumental, but really doesn't go anywhere.

'Tigermoth' (8/10) alternates between some heavier riffs and some rather atmospheric parts with keyboards. The last minute or so of buildup at the end is ethereal.

The title track' Spectral Mornings' (7/10) closes the album with some of Steve's most magnificent guitar work.

This is not a terrible album from Steve Hackett, but it definitely doesn't have the same feel as Acolyte. I really miss some of the instruments that were used on that one, especially the oboe. I also believe much of the vocals in this album don't add anything to the songs. Nonetheless, Spectral Mornings is a decent release from one of the most innovative guitar players of all time.

6/10