Search - Steve Hackett :: Wild Orchids (Spec)

New And Vintage Hackett

Theodore J. Dominick | Lake Zurich Il. USA | 03/11/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I have been a fan of Mr. Hackett and his former band Genesis, since 1972. Steve is the true meaning of Progressive. There are many " Wow " like moments on Orchids that keep in his tradition of haunting melodies, nestled with quiet spaces and lightness. You never quite know what to expect also rides along with trademark Hackett guitar passages that are his signature and never fail to blow you away, and I love his lower octave voicings, if Death Metal can do it, why not Steve ! Also long live his trusty Optigon keyboard ...always good for a few laughs ! You can have the Phil Collins Genesis Trio Reunion ..I'll stay home and crank Steve Hackett and old Genesis albums, thats where its at for the true Progressive fan."

A Bit Dark and Hard But Generally Good

Joseph O'Donnell | Simsbury, CT USA | 05/12/2007

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Sir Steve's recent release took a bit to warm up to. I really liked To Watch the Storms and it was easier to like those songs right away as they had more "hook" in them. Wild Orchids has a dark feel to it and requires repeated listening at which time you'll find a few gems.



I'll never forget seeing Steve at his recent acoustic tour and then actually meeting him afterwards. I feel acoustic still is his strong point and there was not evenough of it on this album. still, there are enough interesting songs to warrant a purchase.



Joe"

Typically motley Hackett collection

Zawmer | St Paul, MN | 01/28/2007

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This latest Steve Hackett album is another in the style of "To Watch The Storms"; that means he's got a lot of intstrumental songs on here and a number of songs on which he sings lead. What separates this from "...Storms" is the heavier use of orchestral arrangements. It sounds quite nice, but it results in less focus on guitar playing, and isn't that what Steve hangs his hat on?



That said, this is a pretty enjoyable album to listen to, though I'm a much bigger fan of "To Watch The Storms". He seems to take pride in variety, and as much as ever he lets his dorky sense of humor shine through. Despite his prog rock cred he's not too proud to yield to some more emotional moments. Most notably there is the Indian-style "Waters Of The Wild", with some nice electric sitar-playing. I don't like the bluesy stuff like on "Man In The Long Black Coat", but you might if you like simple blues rock. For my money, the best song on here is "Set Your Compass" with its lush vocals. I also get a kick out of the peculiarly meandering rhapsody, "Down Street"."