Guitar Noir
Steve Hackett · 1993
75 min · 17 tracks · progressive rock
A haunting blend of progressive rock and atmospheric melodies, exploring themes of darkness and introspection through intricate guitar work.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Sierra Quemada Start here — This opening track establishes the album's mood with its evocative imagery and complex musical structure, embodying Hackett's signature style.
-
→
Dark as the Grave — A poignant exploration of melancholy, this track highlights Hackett's ability to weave emotional narratives through instrumental prowess and lyrical depth.
-
→
Vampyre With a Healthy Appetite — This song balances dark themes with a catchy melody, showcasing Hackett's knack for merging storytelling with engaging musical hooks.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features strong compositions and intricate guitar work but lacks a cohesive flow throughout its length.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that build in intensity, while the second half shifts to more introspective and atmospheric pieces.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
5/10
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
- immersive sonic landscape exploration
- wave-like pacing for reflection
- mysterious melodies for late nights
- dynamic journey with varied emotions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Critical Peak — Recognized for its ambitious compositions and influence on progressive rock.
- Themes
- evocative landscapes· darker undertones· whimsical storytelling
- Career context
- Released in 1993, Guitar Noir was Steve Hackett's ninth solo studio album, following the critically acclaimed 1992 release, Till We Have Faces. By this point in his career, Hackett had established himself as a prominent figure in the progressive rock genre, known for his virtuosic guitar playing and expansive musical vision. The album reflects a mature sound, incorporating elements of world music and sophisticated songwriting.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Camel· Mike Oldfield· Genesis
Tracklist
- 1 Sierra Quemada Start here 5:19
- 2 Take These Pearls 4:14
- 3 There Are Many Sides to the Night 7:23
- 4 In the Heart of the City 4:34
- 5 Dark as the Grave 4:38
- 6 Lost in Your Eyes 4:56
- 7 Little America 4:55
- 8 Like an Arrow 2:51
- 9 Theatre of Sleep 3:03
- 10 Walking Away From Rainbows 3:10
- 11 Paint Your Picture 2:57
- 12 Vampyre With a Healthy Appetite 5:29
- 13 Tristesse 4:01
- 14 Sierra Quemada (demo) 4:30
- 15 Take These Pearls (rough mix) 4:11
- 16 In the Heart of the City (original version) 4:19
- 17 Vampyre With a Healthy Appetite (demo) 4:41
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
On an Island
David Gilmour
Shares immersive soundscapes and emotive guitar work, exploring reflective and darker themes.
Brave
Marillion
Features haunting melodies and intricate arrangements, delving into evocative storytelling with a somber tone.
Stupid Dream
Porcupine Tree
Combines atmospheric guitar textures with introspective lyrics, creating a similar sense of mystery and depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.