The Things You See cover

The Things You See

Allan Holdsworth · 1980

39 min · 7 tracks · jazz

Intricate guitar work intertwines with complex rhythms, creating a rich tapestry of jazz fusion that defies conventional structures.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Golden Lakes — This opening track features a captivating melodic line that showcases Holdsworth's signature guitar tone and intricate improvisation over shifting meters, setting the stage for the album's exploration of texture and harmony.
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    Diminished Responsability — This lengthy composition exemplifies Holdsworth's ability to blend complex jazz chords with progressive rock elements, allowing for extended solos that reveal his innovative approach to melody and rhythm.
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    The Things You See (When You Haven’t Got Your Gun) — The title track highlights Holdsworth's lyrical guitar phrasing and intricate arrangements, weaving together an atmospheric soundscape that encapsulates the essence of his artistic vision.
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    At the Edge — This brief yet impactful piece features rapid-fire guitar runs paired with layered harmonies, demonstrating Holdsworth's ability to convey emotion within a tightly structured format.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's complex structures and unique guitar techniques set it apart in jazz fusion.

What we noticed

  • The album features intricate guitar solos that often employ legato techniques, creating fluid melodic lines.
  • Each track typically showcases a different harmonic approach, with some using unconventional chord progressions.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • dynamic exploration of themes
  • wave-like pacing with intensity
  • intricate guitar work to appreciate
  • engaging detail for focused listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking straightforward song structures
  • prefer quick, catchy tracks

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1980, The Things You See was Allan Holdsworth's first solo album after leaving the band UK and showcasing his unique fusion style. This album marked a significant step in his career, highlighting his virtuosic guitar techniques and innovative compositional approach at a time when he was establishing himself as a leading figure in the jazz fusion genre.
Stylistic neighbors
John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Frank Gambale

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Golden Lakes 4:48
  • 2 Stop Fiddlin’ 2:56
  • 3 The Things You See (When You Haven’t Got Your Gun) 4:32
  • 4 Diminished Responsability 8:20
  • 5 She’s Lookin’, I’m Cookin’ 11:57
  • 6 At the Edge 3:18
  • 7 Up Country 3:44

What to play next

I.O.U.
Listen next

I.O.U.

1983
Velvet Darkness
Go back to

Velvet Darkness

1976
Full Allan Holdsworth discography Artists like Allan Holdsworth
jazz fusion progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata