The Second Brightest Star
Big Big Train · 2017
70 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock
A richly layered tapestry of progressive rock, merging intricate melodies with evocative storytelling across expansive compositions.
Top tracks — play these first
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The Second Brightest Star Start here — The title track encapsulates the album's thematic focus on exploration and wonder, featuring soaring melodies that showcase the band's signature sound.
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Brooklands Sequence — Spanning over 17 minutes, this epic track combines various musical motifs and dynamic shifts, illustrating the band's ability to craft expansive narratives within their compositions.
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Haymaking — At just over three minutes, this track presents a concise yet poignant reflection on rural life, contrasting with the longer pieces while maintaining rich lyrical imagery.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and storytelling, making it rewarding for repeated listens.
What we noticed
- The album features several tracks that exceed eight minutes, allowing for extended instrumental passages and thematic development.
- The lyrics often tell stories or explore themes of nature and human experience, enhancing the emotional weight of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- wave-like pacing with emotional depth
- nostalgic soundscapes for reflection
- extended sections for immersive experience
- gentle crescendos that invite contemplation
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry in their catalog that showcases their progressive sound without being a standout.
- Themes
- rural nostalgia· exploratory wonder
- Career context
- Released on January 1, 2017, The Second Brightest Star is Big Big Train's ninth studio album, following their critically acclaimed record, Folklore. At this stage in their career, the band was solidifying their reputation as a leading force in modern progressive rock, blending traditional influences with contemporary themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Transatlantic· The Flower Kings· Marillion
Tracklist
- 1 The Second Brightest Star Start here 7:17
- 2 Haymaking 3:24
- 3 Skylon 6:44
- 4 London Stone 2:00
- 5 The Passing Widow 5:33
- 6 The Leaden Stour 7:19
- 7 Terra Australis Incognita 4:19
- 8 Brooklands Sequence 17:33
- 9 London Plane Sequence 13:17
- 10 The Gentlemen’s Reprise 3:02
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Brave
Marillion
Explores similar themes of nostalgia and storytelling within expansive, emotive progressive rock compositions.
Stardust We Are
The Flower Kings
Features intricate melodies and rich arrangements that evoke a sense of wonder and exploration.
Fear of a Blank Planet
Porcupine Tree
Shares a layered soundscape with a focus on modern themes and introspective lyrical content.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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