Steve Hackett
The Night Siren

The amazing Steve Hackett makes it to 25 with this album, he is certainly as diligent as he is old and polite, a gentleman rocker with some amazing skills. This time he has put together a multi-cultural piece of music with a message of peace throughout the songs, a great finger to Trump and other scumbags like him. Hackett shows the strength in diversion with great guests from around the world to add depth to the songs on this album. And The Night Siren does not only have a great cover, it sounds interesting as well, kind of classic Hackett but with a fresh perspective that is evident all the way from the powerful Behind the Smoke that also has a powerful video, all the way to the strong ending of the album.

Progressive rock is the genre we can claim for this album, an album with strong melodies and excellent production. It has a sound we recognise for being Hackett; his familiar styles are prevalent throughout the album. But even if we recognise it, it still has a fresh sound and a novel feel – just like Hackett albums usually have. I would describe this album as a fairly diverse album with flavours from around the world. The eleven tracks play for 58 minutes and thanks to the great quality of the music, the depth and variation it is an album that keeps you listening for the entire playing time.

It is obvious, and impressive, that Hackett delivers once again. The Night Siren is a strong album with strong songs and you will be hard pressed to find any major flaws. One thing I would have liked is a faster song; I think this album would have benefitted from something like that as it would have added even more depth. That along with the fact that the sounds is rather familiar for anyone who have heard stuff by Hackett before – still these are just minor things and not really changing my perception of this album, an album that I think is great.

It is an album with great songs and great melodies is what we are getting when we are listening to this album, one or two of the songs stand out a bit more. The opening track Behind the Smoke is one of those standout tracks; I also think that the ending track The Gift is a great little track – certainly an excellent ending for a great album. Hackett’s fans will certainly adore and enjoy this album, and so will many others. I can highly recommend this album for those of you who usually agree with what I write – I think Steve Hackett one again delivers a great piece of music, it may not be his best but it is another impressive progressive rock album. Hackett once again proves that he is a brilliant musician and songwriter.

HHHHHHH