Released 40 years ago
And Close As This
Peter Hammill · 1986
40 min · 8 tracks · rock music
A contemplative blend of rock and art-pop, weaving intricate melodies with introspective lyrics that invite deep reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
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Too Many of My Yesterdays — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its reflective lyrics and haunting melody, encapsulating the themes of nostalgia and self-examination that permeate the record.
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Empire of Delight — This song showcases Hammill's ability to blend poetic lyrics with compelling instrumentation, creating an atmosphere that balances hopefulness with melancholy.
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Confidence — A standout track where Hammill explores vulnerability and self-assurance through dynamic shifts in melody and vocal delivery, making it emblematic of his artistic depth.
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Sleep Now — Closing the album, this track offers a serene yet haunting reflection on rest and surrender, leaving listeners with a lingering sense of introspection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features intricate melodies and introspective lyrics, creating a cohesive yet varied listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a slow tempo track that sets a reflective mood, and the following tracks maintain a similar contemplative pace.
- Hammill's vocal delivery often shifts between soft, intimate passages and more powerful, emotive outbursts, creating dynamic contrasts within songs.
- Several tracks feature intricate piano arrangements that complement the lyrical themes, enhancing the overall introspective atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- haunting melodies for introspection
- vulnerable themes of reflection
- gentle pacing for late nights
- poetic lyrics to ponder deeply
Maybe skip if you
- seeking upbeat party anthems
- prefer instant gratification tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1986, And Close As This was Peter Hammill's ninth solo album, following the critically acclaimed album, The Margin. At this point in his career, Hammill was transitioning from his earlier experimental work into more melodic and accessible songwriting, while still retaining his signature complexity and depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Van der Graaf Generator· Robert Wyatt· King Crimson
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Faith
The bridge introduces a stark shift in perspective, presenting a raw acknowledgment of doubt amid declarations of faith.
This structural choice heightens the emotional tension by contrasting unwavering belief with moments of uncertainty, enriching the song's thematic complexity.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Too Many of My Yesterdays 4:48
- 2 Faith 4:29
- 3 Empire of Delight 4:44
- 4 Silver 5:29
- 5 Beside the One You Love 5:14
- 6 Other Old Clichés 4:07
- 7 Confidence 6:37
- 8 Sleep Now 4:44
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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