Is Bard a good place to start with Big Big Train?

Yes, Bard is recommended as a starting point for new Big Big Train listeners. Epic storytelling entwined with lush instrumentation and intricate melodies define this progressive rock journey. Released in 2002, Bard was Big Big Train's third studio album, following their 2000 release, The Underfall Yard. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place within the progressive rock scene, characterized by complex arrangements and a focus on historical themes.

Bard works well if you're into sweeping narratives that unfold gradually, evocative storytelling with rich instrumentation and patient build-up to emotional peaks.

How many songs are on Bard?

Bard has 11 tracks, running approximately 67 minutes.

Bard

Big Big Train · 2002

67 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock

Epic storytelling entwined with lush instrumentation and intricate melodies define this progressive rock journey.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Last English King Start here — This track sets a powerful narrative tone for the album, blending historical context with emotive melodies and anthemic choruses that showcase the band's lyrical depth.
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Broken English — At over fourteen minutes long, this track exemplifies the band's ability to weave complex musical themes and dynamic shifts, embodying the essence of progressive rock storytelling.
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For Winter — This lengthy piece serves as a reflective centerpiece of the album, combining atmospheric instrumentation with poignant lyrics that explore themes of time and memory.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Treeline

Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases complex compositions and rich instrumentation typical of progressive rock, making it a notable entry in the genre.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding seven minutes, allowing for intricate musical development and thematic exploration.
Lush instrumentation is prominent, with orchestral elements interwoven with traditional rock instruments, enhancing the storytelling aspect.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
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

sweeping narratives that unfold gradually
evocative storytelling with rich instrumentation
patient build-up to emotional peaks
immersive listening for reflective moments
exploratory journeys through time

Maybe skip if you

seeking instant gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Big Big Train's reputation in progressive rock with positive critical reception.
Themes: historical narratives· English countryside· time and memory
Career context: Released in 2002, Bard was Big Big Train's third studio album, following their 2000 release, The Underfall Yard. At this point in their career, the band was solidifying their place within the progressive rock scene, characterized by complex arrangements and a focus on historical themes.
Stylistic neighbors: Transatlantic· The Flower Kings· Marillion

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Broken English

The lyrics shift from personal reflection to a broader commentary on cultural identity amidst changing times.

This transition enhances the song’s thematic complexity, creating a bridge between individual experience and collective historical narrative.