Steve Hackett

Steve Hackett's second solo album was really where his post-Genesis career begins, and his musical ambitions take hold in a serious way. With Richie Havens and Steve Walsh guesting on vocals, and tracks ranging across the literary and rock landscapes with equal aplomb, Hackett pushed for a merger of American soul and blues and hard rock with progressive rock, into something that sometimes veered toward pop/rock, but never entirely rejected its progressive roots. The album was reissued by EMI in late 2005, newly remastered and featuring three bonus tracks: the version of "Narnia" sung by John Perry, an alternate take of "Narnia," and a live recording of "Land of a Thousand Autumns/Please Don't Touch." The bonus cuts are illuminating, the upgraded sound is a treat, and Hackett's account of this phase of his career is enlightening. ~ Bruce Eder, All Music Guide