What makes Patience by Peter Hammill notable?

'Patience' is notable for its deep lyrical exploration and complex arrangements, receiving praise from critics for its emotional depth. The album further solidified Hammill's reputation as a pioneering songwriter in the UK rock scene, influencing subsequent artists in the progressive genre. By 1983, Peter Hammill was already a respected figure in progressive rock, having spent over a decade with Van der Graaf Generator and as a solo artist. 'Patience' marked his return to solo work after the 1981 album 'The Silent Corner and the Empty Stage', showcasing his continued evolution and experimentation in sound.

Patience works well if you're into introspective evening reflections, steady mid-tempo progression and emotional storytelling journeys.

How many songs are on Patience?

Patience has 8 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Patience

Peter Hammill · 1983

40 min · 8 tracks · rock music

A contemplative exploration of personal and artistic introspection layered over intricate melodies and haunting vocals.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Labour of Love — This opening track establishes the album's thematic concerns with love and sacrifice through its rich storytelling and dynamic composition.
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Film Noir — With its moody atmosphere and vivid imagery, this track exemplifies Hammill's skill at blending narrative depth with musical tension.
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Comfortable? — This song features an unsettling juxtaposition of calmness against existential questioning, highlighting Hammill's ability to provoke thought through music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate melodies and complex arrangements, solidifying Hammill's unique voice in rock.

What we noticed

The first three tracks feature a gradual build in intensity, with 'Labour of Love' starting softly and 'Just Good Friends' reaching a more dynamic climax.
The album closes with 'Patient', which features an extended instrumental section that gradually fades out, creating a sense of resolution.

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

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

introspective evening reflections
steady mid-tempo progression
emotional storytelling journeys
long, immersive listening sessions

Where this album fits

Career context: By 1983, Peter Hammill was already a respected figure in progressive rock, having spent over a decade with Van der Graaf Generator and as a solo artist. 'Patience' marked his return to solo work after the 1981 album 'The Silent Corner and the Empty Stage', showcasing his continued evolution and experimentation in sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Van der Graaf Generator· Robert Wyatt· King Crimson