Please Don't Touch!
Steve Hackett · 1978
38 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock
A vibrant fusion of progressive rock and eclectic influences, melding intricate guitar work with lush melodies.
Top tracks — play these first
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Narnia Start here — Opening with ethereal melodies and complex arrangements, this track encapsulates the album's adventurous spirit and Hackett's signature guitar work.
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Please Don’t Touch — This title track features an engaging interplay between guitars and orchestral elements, representing Hackett's ambition to push beyond traditional rock boundaries.
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Icarus Ascending — A centerpiece of the album, this track combines lyrical depth with intricate instrumentation, reflecting themes of ambition and transcendence that resonate throughout Hackett's work.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong musicianship and diverse influences, making it a notable entry in Hackett's discography.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate diverse instrumentation, including flute and violin, which contribute to the eclectic sound.
- Vocals are present in most tracks but often take a backseat to the instrumental arrangements, emphasizing musicianship.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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-paced melodic exploration
- whimsical storytelling through music
- intricate guitar work appreciation
- mid-tempo journey for reflection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone hit singles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album marked Hackett's transition to a recognized solo artist after Genesis.
- Themes
- mystical landscapes· whimsical storytelling
- Career context
- Released in 1978, Please Don't Touch! was Steve Hackett's second solo album following his departure from Genesis. By this time, he had already established his identity as a solo artist after the success of his debut, Voyage of the Acolyte, and was exploring more diverse musical territories.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Camel· Mike Oldfield· Genesis
Tracklist
- 1 Narnia Start here 4:06
- 2 Carry on Up the Vicarage 3:10
- 3 Racing in A 5:07
- 4 Kim 2:13
- 5 How Can I? 4:40
- 6 Hoping Love Will Last 4:08
- 7 Land of a Thousand Autumns 1:56
- 8 Please Don’t Touch 3:39
- 9 The Voice of Necam 3:10
- 10 Icarus Ascending 6:22
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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