Is Clutching at Straws a good place to start with Marillion?

Yes, Clutching at Straws is recommended as a starting point for new Marillion listeners. A rich tapestry of emotive melodies and complex arrangements that blend art rock and progressive influences seamlessly. Released on June 22, 1987, Clutching at Straws was Marillion's fifth studio album, following their breakthrough with Misplaced Childhood. At this point, the band was navigating the complexities of fame while dealing with lead singer Fish's impending departure, marking a transitional phase in their career.

Who is Clutching at Straws for?

Clutching at Straws works well if you're into wave-like emotional highs and lows, introspective lyrics for deep reflection and dynamic journey with melodic peaks.

How many songs are on Clutching at Straws?

Clutching at Straws has 11 tracks, running approximately 52 minutes.

Clutching at Straws

Marillion · 1987

52 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock

A rich tapestry of emotive melodies and complex arrangements that blend art rock and progressive influences seamlessly.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Hotel Hobbies Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
→
Warm Wet Circles — This track encapsulates the album's exploration of longing and disconnection, driven by its haunting melody and introspective lyrics.
→
Sugar Mice — A poignant reflection on loss and regret, this song features some of Fish's most evocative storytelling, making it a centerpiece of the album.
→
Incommunicado — With its infectious rhythm and sharp lyrics, this track offers a contrast to the album's heavier themes, showcasing the band's versatility.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

72 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's complex arrangements and emotional depth create a rich listening experience.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding six minutes, allowing for intricate musical development and thematic exploration.
Melodic lines often intertwine between the lead vocals and instrumental sections, creating a layered sound that emphasizes emotional expression.
The final track is a medley that combines themes from earlier songs, providing a sense of closure while maintaining the album's narrative flow.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

wave-like emotional highs and lows
introspective lyrics for deep reflection
dynamic journey with melodic peaks
for late-night contemplation

Maybe skip if you

seekers of instant gratification
prefer standalone catchy tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — This album marked a significant commercial success and critical acclaim for the band.
Themes: disillusioned escapism· communication breakdown· intimate nostalgia
Moods: Introspective· Melancholy
Career context: Released on June 22, 1987, Clutching at Straws was Marillion's fifth studio album, following their breakthrough with Misplaced Childhood. At this point, the band was navigating the complexities of fame while dealing with lead singer Fish's impending departure, marking a transitional phase in their career.
Stylistic neighbors: Genesis· Yes· Porcupine Tree