Released 10 years ago
4 ½
Steven Wilson · 2016
36 min · 6 tracks · alternative rock
A contemplative blend of progressive rock and pop sensibilities, steeped in melancholic melodies and intricate arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Book of Regrets Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its lush instrumentation and reflective lyrics, exploring themes of nostalgia and self-examination.
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Year of the Plague — With its haunting atmosphere and driving rhythm, this song encapsulates a sense of urgency and despair that resonates throughout the album.
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Don't Hate Me — Revisiting a previously released song, this version offers new emotional depth and showcases Wilson's ability to reinterpret his own work with fresh insights.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The EP showcases intricate arrangements and varied tempos, reflecting Wilson's progressive rock influences.
What we noticed
- The first track features a slow build with layered instrumentation, gradually introducing vocals that intertwine with the music.
- Each song varies in tempo and mood, with 'Year of the Plague' incorporating a driving rhythm while 'Sunday Rain Sets In' slows down significantly.
- The final track employs a complex arrangement that shifts dynamics frequently, creating a sense of tension and release.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady pacing for reflection
- intricate melodies for deep listening
- gradual build with satisfying resolution
- introspective themes for solitude
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — A solid entry in Wilson's catalog, appreciated but not widely recognized as essential.
- Themes
- nostalgic self-examination· personal regrets
- Career context
- By the time '4 ½' was released in January 2016, Steven Wilson had established himself as a prominent figure in progressive music, following his critically acclaimed solo albums. This record serves as a companion piece to his previous album 'Hand. Cannot. Erase.', showcasing both thematic continuity and musical exploration after his significant artistic breakthrough.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Porcupine Tree· Opeth· Anathema
Tracklist
- 1 My Book of Regrets Start here 9:23
- 2 Year of the Plague 4:15
- 3 Happiness III 4:31
- 4 Sunday Rain Sets In 3:50
- 5 Vermillioncore 5:09
- 6 Don't Hate Me 9:34
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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