Backbones cover

Backbones

Wishbone Ash · 2004

169 min · 30 tracks · hard rock

Melodic guitar harmonies intertwine with reflective lyrics, creating a dynamic blend of classic rock and contemporary themes.

Spotify Apple Music
Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Mountainside Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its rich melodic structure and introspective lyrics, highlighting the band's signature guitar work.
  • →
    Wings of Desire — A standout moment that blends poignant lyrics with soaring instrumentation, showcasing the band's ability to evoke emotion through music.
  • →
    Living Proof — The track embodies the essence of resilience and hope, both lyrically and musically, making it a highlight that resonates deeply with listeners.
  • →
    Everybody Needs a Friend — This song combines an infectious melody with heartfelt themes of companionship, illustrating the band’s knack for relatable storytelling.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like pacing with peaks
  • introspective themes throughout journey
  • headphone detail with guitar harmonies
  • for reflective afternoon
  • satisfying long-form listening experience

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification tracks
  • prefer standalone singles approach

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Revitalized interest in the band's legacy after lineup changes.
Themes
mountainside reflection· resilience in adversity· companionship longing
Career context
Backbones marks a significant release in Wishbone Ash's career as it comes after a period of lineup changes and a resurgence in their creative output. Released in 2004, this album followed their previous studio effort, Clan Destiny, and showcased the band's enduring commitment to their signature twin-lead guitar sound while exploring new lyrical depths.
Stylistic neighbors
Thin Lizzy· UFO· Blue Öyster Cult
New to Wishbone Ash? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Mountainside Start here 6:04
  • 2 Top of the World 6:40
  • 3 Wait Out the Storm 3:44
  • 4 No Joke 6:50
  • 5 On Your Own 5:34
  • 6 Wings of Desire 3:39
  • 7 Errors of My Way 5:14
  • 8 Master of Disguise 3:49
  • 9 Everybody Needs a Friend 5:59
  • 10 Living Proof 4:12
  • 11 Almighty Blues 5:25
  • 12 Faith, Hope and Love 5:55
  • 13 Ancient Remedy 4:50
  • 14 Come Rain, Come Shine 6:07

Disc 2

  • 1 Lifeline 7:02
  • 2 Living Proof 5:55
  • 3 Insomnia 6:51
  • 4 You See Red 6:18
  • 5 Throw Down the Sword 6:02
  • 6 Time Was 9:50
  • 7 Real Guitars Have Wings 3:17
  • 8 Sometime World 7:28
  • 9 Blowin Free 5:21
  • 10 Hard on You 5:02
  • 11 Is Justice Done 4:25
  • 12 Sheriff at Sherwood 6:11

Disc 3

  • 1 Strange Affair (acoustic live 2002) 4:55
  • 2 The King Will Come (live 2002) 8:28
  • 3 Hard Times (live 2002) 8:29
  • 4 Interview With Andy Powell September 2004

What to play next

Clan Destiny
Listen next

Clan Destiny

2006

Continues the melodic guitar harmonies with a fresh take on themes.
Bare Bones
Go back to

Bare Bones

1999

Sets the stage with reflective lyrics and a strong acoustic vibe.
Full Wishbone Ash discography Where to start with Wishbone Ash Artists like Wishbone Ash
hard rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Brothers and Sisters

Brothers and Sisters

The Allman Brothers Band

Shares melodic guitar harmonies and themes of companionship and resilience.

Street Survivors

Street Survivors

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Combines reflective lyrics with dynamic rock instrumentation, echoing themes of adversity.

So What

So What

Joe Walsh

Features a blend of introspective lyrics and rich guitar work, resonating with the emotional depth of Backbones.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata