English Electric Part One
Big Big Train · 2012
58 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
Complex arrangements weave through atmospheric soundscapes, blending rich melodies with intricate storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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The First Rebreather Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its sweeping melodies and intricate instrumentation, encapsulating the band's signature sound.
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Judas Unrepentant — With its powerful narrative and dynamic shifts, this track exemplifies the band's storytelling prowess while maintaining a captivating musical complexity.
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A Boy in Darkness — This song features evocative lyrics and haunting melodies, representing a thematic high point that resonates deeply within the album's overarching concept.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and storytelling but is somewhat conventional within its genre.
What we noticed
- The album features extended tracks, with three songs exceeding eight minutes, allowing for complex musical developments.
- The lyrics tell cohesive stories that connect to themes of English history and landscape, enhancing the overall narrative arc.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- 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
- steady pacing with melodic peaks
- rich emotional landscapes unfold
- nostalgic reflections on life
- immersive journey through sound
- thoughtful listening for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, catchy tracks
- prefer standalone singles over albums
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Re-established Big Big Train's reputation in progressive rock after a hiatus.
- Themes
- post-war England· industrial landscapes· personal redemption
- Career context
- By the time 'English Electric Part One' was released in 2012, Big Big Train had transitioned from a long hiatus and were re-establishing themselves in the progressive rock scene. This album marked their first major release since reforming in 2009, showcasing a renewed creative energy and ambition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Transatlantic· The Flower Kings· Marillion
Tracklist
- 1 The First Rebreather Start here 8:32
- 2 Uncle Jack 3:48
- 3 Winchester From St Giles’ Hill 7:16
- 4 Judas Unrepentant 7:17
- 5 Summoned by Bells 9:17
- 6 Upton Heath 5:39
- 7 A Boy in Darkness 8:03
- 8 Hedgerow 8:52
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Script for a Jester's Tear
Marillion
Explores complex narratives with rich melodies and atmospheric arrangements, evoking similar themes of redemption.
Milliontown
Frost*
Merges intricate storytelling with lush soundscapes, reflecting on personal and societal themes in a progressive context.
Your Wilderness
The Pineapple Thief
Combines atmospheric rock with introspective lyrics, echoing the emotional depth and intricate arrangements found in Big Big Train.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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