What makes Incommunicado by Marillion notable?

The album features the hit title track which peaked at number 19 on the UK Singles Chart, highlighting its commercial appeal. Additionally, Incommunicado is significant for reflecting the band's shift towards a more radio-friendly sound, which contributed to their broader recognition during the late 1980s. Incommunicado marked Marillion's fifth studio album, following the commercial success of their previous release, Misplaced Childhood. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with a more accessible sound while still maintaining their progressive roots, transitioning into a new era after their earlier art rock peak.

How many songs are on Incommunicado?

Incommunicado has 3 tracks, running approximately 14 minutes.

Incommunicado

Marillion · 1987

14 min · 3 tracks · progressive rock

Dynamic art rock textures blend with intricate melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, showcasing the band's progressive evolution.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Incommunicado (album version) — As the title track, it encapsulates the album's thematic exploration of isolation and communication breakdown through its catchy melody and engaging arrangement.
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Going Under — This track stands out for its brevity and urgency, presenting a stark contrast to the longer compositions typically associated with Marillion's work while still delivering profound emotional weight.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

45 /100

Lowland

Higher than 5% of albums we've rated

The single showcases strong melodies and production but lacks cohesion across its limited tracks.

What we noticed

The title track features a prominent synthesizer riff that drives the song, accompanied by layered guitar and dynamic drumming.
The alternative mix of 'Incommunicado' presents a different arrangement, emphasizing the vocal harmonies more than the album version.
The third track, 'Going Under,' shifts to a slower tempo and introduces a more introspective lyrical theme, contrasting with the upbeat nature of the title track.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. 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.

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — It followed the successful Misplaced Childhood, showcasing a commercial shift.
Themes: mainstream transition· emotional disconnection· dynamic instrumentation
Career context: Incommunicado marked Marillion's fifth studio album, following the commercial success of their previous release, Misplaced Childhood. At this point in their career, the band was experimenting with a more accessible sound while still maintaining their progressive roots, transitioning into a new era after their earlier art rock peak.
Stylistic neighbors: Genesis· Yes· Porcupine Tree