Is A Stone's Throw From the Line a good place to start with Big Big Train?

Yes, A Stone's Throw From the Line is recommended as a starting point for new Big Big Train listeners. A rich tapestry of progressive rock, weaving intricate melodies and storytelling through lush instrumentation and emotive vocals. By the time 'A Stone's Throw From the Line' was released in 2016, Big Big Train had solidified their status as a leading band in contemporary progressive rock. This album marked their first release after gaining significant attention with 'English Electric: Full Power' in 2013, showcasing their growth and deepening narrative style.

Who is A Stone's Throw From the Line for?

A Stone's Throw From the Line works well if you're into dynamic progression with peaks, immersive storytelling through sound and patient unfolding of melodies.

How many songs are on A Stone's Throw From the Line?

A Stone's Throw From the Line has 12 tracks, running approximately 125 minutes.

Released 10 years ago

A Stone's Throw From the Line

Big Big Train · 2016

125 min · 12 tracks · progressive rock

A rich tapestry of progressive rock, weaving intricate melodies and storytelling through lush instrumentation and emotive vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Make Some Noise Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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The Underfall Yard — This expansive track serves as a centerpiece for the album, blending complex arrangements with evocative storytelling about historical themes and personal reflection.
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Victorian Brickwork — With its nostalgic lyrics and sweeping instrumentation, this track captures the essence of the band's storytelling prowess and commitment to bridging history with personal narratives.
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Curator of Butterflies — This song illustrates the band's ability to meld poetic lyrics with intricate melodies, creating a poignant exploration of memory and loss that resonates deeply.
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East Coast Racer — An energetic closer that showcases dynamic shifts in tempo and instrumentation, reflecting both the thrill of racing and broader themes of ambition and freedom.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

68 /100

Alpine

Higher than 93% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and rich instrumentation typical of progressive rock.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for complex arrangements and thematic development.
Lush instrumentation is prominent throughout, with layers of guitars, keyboards, and orchestral elements interwoven into the compositions.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

dynamic progression with peaks
immersive storytelling through sound
patient unfolding of melodies
for reflective afternoons
wave-like pacing with highs

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — This album showcases ambitious compositions and solidified their reputation in progressive rock.
Themes: Victorian nostalgia· historical reflection· memory and loss
Career context: By the time 'A Stone's Throw From the Line' was released in 2016, Big Big Train had solidified their status as a leading band in contemporary progressive rock. This album marked their first release after gaining significant attention with 'English Electric: Full Power' in 2013, showcasing their growth and deepening narrative style.
Stylistic neighbors: Transatlantic· The Flower Kings· Marillion