Search - Steve Hackett :: Spectral Mornings

Hackett Carries The True Spirit Of Genesis With Him

Michael Topper | Pacific Palisades, California United States | 09/03/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Hackett's third solo effort represents, along with the next one "Defector", the peak of his on-again, off-again career. "Spectral Mornings" takes off in the directions Genesis should have gone in had Hackett stayed; the gorgeous Asian touches in "Virgin And The Gypsy" and "Red Flower Of Tachai" add a pleasing new dimension to the proceedings. The guitarwork is excellent throughout, with the best saved for the bittersweet instrumental title track, which is reminiscent of his work on "Firth Of Fifth" and "The Lamia". Although the vocals on "Every Day" (an otherwise good song) are somewhat AOR-ish and "Ballad Of The Decomposing Man" screams 'filler', the album as a whole is recommended as an excellent starting point for those just getting into Hackett's solo career. Listening to this and "And Then There Were Three" side by side, it becomes painfully obvious where much of the spirit of Genesis resided..."

SPECTRAL MORNINGS EVERY DAY WITH THE VIRGIN & THE GYPSY

David Bebernick | Warren, Michigan United States | 01/16/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Steve Hackett's 1979 album, "Spectral Mornings" is a beautiful atmospheric album from start to finish! One of the last great Mellotron albums as well. However before I bought this album, I was already familiar with "Every Day" & "Spectral Mornings" due to my downloadings on Bearshare. I just purchased this album in Late December, 2004. Just like his first album, this is an album to be appreaciated from start to finish. I instantly love "The Virgin & The Gypsy" when I first heard it. It has such an early Yes feel (hints of "And You & I" to be exact). Hackett's voice doesn't sound bad at all! "Tigermoth" is another keeper as well. One reviewer said about this album is that you should listen after a stressful day. I absolute agree. I say, get a bottle of whatever & close your eyes, & let this album take you to another place, another dimension-the Steve Hackett dimension. Buy this album. I recommend it & it will be money well spent. Lastly, everyone who reads this, do you think I should be listening to this album for I'm only 26?"

The titletrack,Clocks the angel.."or Tigermoth,are CLASSICS

Lethe | Milan, Italy | 12/09/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"He's one of the best guitarists of all time, considering the progressive scene and not only ... "Spectral Mornings" is his TRADEMARK, this track being one of his best tracks ever and almost equal (talking about ITS IMPACT) to his guitar solo in "Firth of Fifth" and "Horizon" as well, rightly to mention something famous among his several gems !! Nevertheless you find something special also in the AOR songs like "Everyday", another classic during his performances live on stage ...instead "Lost time in Cordoba" is another underrated song, this being quite original !!Highly recommended!! (Above all if you are a Genesis fan, considering their last progressive epoque,during the issue of "Wind and Wuthering")"