What does About Face sound like?

A rich tapestry of blues-infused rock layered with introspective lyrics and Gilmour's signature soaring guitar work. Rooted in progressive rock and psychedelic rock. Start with "Until We Sleep".

Is About Face a good place to start with David Gilmour?

Yes, About Face is recommended as a starting point for new David Gilmour listeners. A rich tapestry of blues-infused rock layered with introspective lyrics and Gilmour's signature soaring guitar work. Released on March 5, 1984, About Face was David Gilmour's second solo album, coming five years after his self-titled debut. At this point in his career, Gilmour was still navigating his post-Pink Floyd identity while experimenting with a more personal songwriting style, following the band's continued commercial success with The Wall and A Momentary Lapse of Reason.

Who is About Face for?

About Face works well if you're into steady mid-tempo reflective mood, introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation and even pacing for focused listening.

How many songs are on About Face?

About Face has 10 tracks, running approximately 45 minutes.

About Face

David Gilmour · 1984

45 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock

A rich tapestry of blues-infused rock layered with introspective lyrics and Gilmour's signature soaring guitar work.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Until We Sleep Start here — Opening the album, this track sets an introspective mood with its haunting melodies and reflective lyrics about loneliness and longing.
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Murder — This provocative track critiques societal violence, showcasing Gilmour’s ability to blend sharp commentary with compelling musicality.
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Love on the Air — A standout for its smooth instrumentation and romantic undercurrents, it highlights Gilmour's exploration of love's complexities.
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All Lovers Are Deranged — With its catchy hooks and vibrant arrangement, this track exemplifies Gilmour's knack for merging pop sensibilities with rock depth.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo reflective mood
introspective lyrics with lush instrumentation
even pacing for focused listening
consistent flow across all tracks

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced, energetic music
want standalone hits and singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Helped establish Gilmour's solo voice post-Pink Floyd, gaining wider recognition.
Themes: post-Pink Floyd identity· societal violence critique· romantic disillusionment
Moods: Introspective· Chill
Career context: Released on March 5, 1984, About Face was David Gilmour's second solo album, coming five years after his self-titled debut. At this point in his career, Gilmour was still navigating his post-Pink Floyd identity while experimenting with a more personal songwriting style, following the band's continued commercial success with The Wall and A Momentary Lapse of Reason.
Stylistic neighbors: Roger Waters· Steve Hackett· Mark Knopfler