What makes Strictly Inc by Tony Banks notable?

The album received mixed reviews but is notable for its ambitious sound and lyrical depth, showcasing Banks' evolution as a songwriter. It featured tracks that resonated with fans and helped solidify his place as a respected solo artist within the progressive rock genre, even if it did not achieve significant commercial success. Strictly Inc marked Tony Banks' first solo album in nearly a decade following his previous effort, Bankstatement, released in 1989. During this period, he was navigating the post-Genesis landscape, seeking to establish his individual artistic identity apart from the band's legacy. This release came at a time when Banks was exploring deeper thematic content and more complex musical structures.

Who is Strictly Inc for?

Strictly Inc works well if you're into introspective journeys through sound, atmospheric landscapes for reflection and patient build-ups to emotional peaks.

How many songs are on Strictly Inc?

Strictly Inc has 10 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Strictly Inc

Tony Banks · 1995

63 min · 10 tracks · rock music

A blend of atmospheric rock and introspective lyrics, intertwining lush melodies with intricate arrangements.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Don’t Turn Your Back on Me — This opener sets the tone for the album with its urgent melody and reflective lyrics about vulnerability and trust, providing an engaging start.
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The Serpent Said — This track showcases Banks' ability to fuse narrative storytelling with complex musicality, highlighting themes of temptation and moral conflict.
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An Island in the Darkness — At over 17 minutes, this epic closer encapsulates Banks' ambition, blending various styles and emotional shifts while delivering a powerful resolution to the album's themes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

introspective journeys through sound
atmospheric landscapes for reflection
patient build-ups to emotional peaks
long-form tracks for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

need for instant gratification
prefer upbeat, fast-paced music

Where this album fits

Career context: Strictly Inc marked Tony Banks' first solo album in nearly a decade following his previous effort, Bankstatement, released in 1989. During this period, he was navigating the post-Genesis landscape, seeking to establish his individual artistic identity apart from the band's legacy. This release came at a time when Banks was exploring deeper thematic content and more complex musical structures.
Stylistic neighbors: Rick Wakeman· Keith Emerson· Genesis

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Don’t Turn Your Back on Me 3:59
2 Walls of Sound 5:07
3 Only Seventeen 4:57
4 The Serpent Said 5:28
5 Never Let Me Know 6:20
6 Charity Balls 4:38
7 Something to Live For 5:17
8 A Piece of You 4:47
9 Strictly Incognito 5:05
10 An Island in the Darkness 17:21

What to play next

Listen next

Seven – A Suite for Orchestra

2004

Go back to

Still

1991

Full Tony Banks discography Artists like Tony Banks

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Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata