Time Lapse cover

Time Lapse

Steve Hackett · 1992

69 min · 14 tracks · progressive rock

A rich tapestry of instrumental storytelling blending progressive rock with melodic flair and intricate guitar work.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Camino Royale Start here — The opener sets the tone with soaring melodies and intricate guitar solos, encapsulating Hackett's signature sound while showcasing his compositional depth.
  • →
    Please Don’t Touch — This track features a dynamic interplay between guitars and keyboards, illustrating Hackett's ability to create evocative musical landscapes and emotional depth.
  • →
    The Steppes — A standout piece that marries classical influences with progressive rock elements, it highlights Hackett's technical prowess and emotive playing style.
  • →
    Ace of Wands — With its captivating melody and rhythmic complexity, this track exemplifies Hackett's knack for crafting engaging instrumental narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100
Treeline
Higher than 74% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and strong craftsmanship, rewarding repeated listens with its cohesive structure.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended instrumental sections, with several tracks exceeding six minutes, allowing for intricate guitar solos and atmospheric builds.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
8/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • immersive exploration of soundscapes
  • wave-like pacing for reflection
  • atmospheric melodies for focus
  • intricate guitar work appreciation

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek instant gratification tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Solidified Hackett's reputation as a leading figure in progressive rock.
Themes
instrumental storytelling· dramatic soundscapes· eclectic musical influences
Career context
Released in 1992, Time Lapse is Steve Hackett's fifth studio album following his departure from Genesis. At this point, Hackett was exploring a solo career that showcased his distinctive guitar style and compositional skills, further establishing his identity apart from his earlier band. This album continues to build on the progressive rock foundation laid by his previous works while incorporating diverse influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Camel· Mike Oldfield· Genesis

Tracklist

  • 1 Camino Royale Start here 8:42
  • 2 Please Don’t Touch 4:38
  • 3 Everyday 7:02
  • 4 In That Quiet Earth 3:50
  • 5 Depth Charge 3:21
  • 6 Jacuzzi 4:28
  • 7 The Steppes 5:56
  • 8 Ace of Wands 7:35
  • 9 Hope I Don’t Wake 4:13
  • 10 The Red Flower of Ta Chai Blooms Everywhere 2:43
  • 11 Tigermoth 3:22
  • 12 A Tower Struck Down 2:58
  • 13 Spectral Mornings 5:18
  • 14 Clocks – The Angel of Mons 4:54

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata