What makes Then! by Allan Holdsworth notable?

Then! received critical acclaim for its advanced musicianship and compositional complexity, marking it as a notable contribution to the jazz fusion genre. The album showcased Holdsworth’s signature guitar style and was well-received by both fans and critics, further cementing his influence on subsequent generations of guitarists. Released in 2003, Then! was Allan Holdsworth's first studio album in over a decade, following his last release, 1992's Hard Hat Area. By this time, Holdsworth had solidified his reputation as a pioneering guitarist, known for his innovative approach to music that blended jazz with rock elements, making this album a significant return to form.

Then! works well if you're into intricate guitar work to dissect, dynamic shifts in intensity and immersive listening for deep focus.

How many songs are on Then!?

Then! has 9 tracks, running approximately 55 minutes.

Then!

Allan Holdsworth · 2003

55 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A complex tapestry of intricate guitar solos and layered harmonies that blend jazz fusion with progressive rock sensibilities.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Proto-Cosmos — This track exemplifies Holdsworth's unique ability to fuse complex harmonic structures with fluid guitar lines, showcasing his virtuosic playing and compositional prowess.
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White Line — White Line stands out for its dynamic shifts and inventive melodies, reflecting Holdsworth's mastery in creating evocative soundscapes that challenge traditional jazz forms.
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Atavachron — The title track highlights an intricate arrangement and features impressive interplay between instruments, illustrating Holdsworth's collaborative spirit and innovative technique.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and skilled musicianship, appealing to fans of jazz fusion and progressive rock.

What we noticed

The album employs complex chord progressions and layered harmonies, creating a dense soundscape that requires attentive listening.
Several tracks feature abrupt transitions between sections, which challenge traditional song structures and keep the listener engaged.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

intricate guitar work to dissect
dynamic shifts in intensity
immersive listening for deep focus
exploratory soundscapes and textures

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 2003, Then! was Allan Holdsworth's first studio album in over a decade, following his last release, 1992's Hard Hat Area. By this time, Holdsworth had solidified his reputation as a pioneering guitarist, known for his innovative approach to music that blended jazz with rock elements, making this album a significant return to form.
Stylistic neighbors: John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Frank Gambale

Tracklist

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

1 Zone I 4:08
2 Proto-Cosmos 5:42
3 White Line 9:39
4 Atavachron 4:42
5 Zone II 5:30
6 Pud Wud 8:05
7 House of Mirrors 4:26
8 Non-Brewed Condiment 5:44
9 Zone III 7:39

What to play next

Listen next

All Night Wrong

2003

Go back to

Flat Tire: Music for a Non-Existent Movie

2001

Full Allan Holdsworth discography Artists like Allan Holdsworth

jazz fusion progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata