The Night Siren
Steve Hackett · 2017
57 min · 11 tracks · progressive rock
Ethereal melodies intertwine with intricate guitar work, creating a rich tapestry of progressive rock adventures.
Top tracks — play these first
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Behind the Smoke Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Martian Sea — This track features a compelling blend of atmospheric instrumentation and evocative lyrics about exploration and discovery, exemplifying Hackett's talent for storytelling through music.
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Inca Terra — Drawing on South American themes, this track showcases intricate guitar solos and rhythmic diversity, highlighting Hackett’s ability to fuse cultural elements into his progressive rock sound.
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Fifty Miles From the North Pole — A reflective piece that combines haunting melodies with poignant lyrics about isolation and longing, it captures the album's thematic explorations of distance and connection.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends intricate melodies and diverse influences, showcasing Hackett's signature style while maintaining a cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- Several tracks incorporate world music influences, particularly in instrumentation and melody, adding layers to the overall composition.
- The album closes with a track that features a gradual build-up, culminating in an expansive instrumental section that showcases Hackett's guitar work.
- 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 pacing with narrative peaks
- immersive journey through evocative themes
- explorative soundscapes for focused listening
- thoughtful moments of reflection
- rich textures for headphone enjoyment
Maybe skip if you
- seeking quick, standalone tracks
- prefer instant gratification styles
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Hackett's continued creativity and relevance in progressive rock.
- Themes
- ancient civilizations· sonic exploration· global musical influences
- Career context
- Released in 2017, The Night Siren marks Steve Hackett's 25th solo studio album, showcasing his enduring creativity since his departure from Genesis in 1977. At this point, he had established himself as a leading figure in progressive rock, continuing to explore diverse musical influences while retaining his signature sound.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Camel· Mike Oldfield· Genesis
Tracklist
- 1 Behind the Smoke Start here 6:57
- 2 Martian Sea 4:40
- 3 Fifty Miles From the North Pole 7:08
- 4 El Niño 3:51
- 5 Other Side of the Wall 4:00
- 6 Anything but Love 5:56
- 7 Inca Terra 5:53
- 8 In Another Life 6:07
- 9 In the Skeleton Gallery 5:09
- 10 West to East 5:14
- 11 The Gift 2:45
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Relayer
Yes
Shares a complex sonic tapestry with intricate musicianship and expansive themes of journey and exploration.
The Snow Goose
Camel
Combines progressive rock with a narrative-driven approach, evoking rich landscapes and emotional depth.
Ommadawn
Mike Oldfield
Features global influences and a blend of acoustic and electric instrumentation, creating an evocative soundscape.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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