Is Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection a good place to start with Wishbone Ash?

Yes, Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection is recommended as a starting point for new Wishbone Ash listeners. Melodic hard rock intertwines complex guitar harmonies with reflective lyrics, creating a timeless soundscape that echoes through the decades. Released in 1993, 'Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection' serves as a retrospective of Wishbone Ash's influential career, highlighting their evolution from early pioneers of twin-lead guitar harmonies in the early 1970s. This compilation follows their decline in mainstream popularity after the late '80s, presenting both classic tracks and live performances to reintroduce their legacy to new audiences.

Who is Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection for?

Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection works well if you're into dynamic exploration with peaks, melodic interludes for reflection and patient unfolding of themes.

How many songs are on Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection?

Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection has 23 tracks, running approximately 146 minutes.

Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection

Wishbone Ash · 1993

146 min · 23 tracks · hard rock

Melodic hard rock intertwines complex guitar harmonies with reflective lyrics, creating a timeless soundscape that echoes through the decades.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Phoenix Start here — This epic opener exemplifies Wishbone Ash's signature sound with its intricate guitar interplay and expansive structure, setting the tone for the entire collection.
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Blowin’ Free — With its infectious melody and powerful lyrics about freedom and self-discovery, this track highlights the band's lyrical depth alongside their musical prowess.
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The King Will Come — This song combines soaring melodies with poignant storytelling, showcasing the band's ability to fuse rock with thoughtful narrative elements.
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F.U.B.B. — A fan favorite known for its driving rhythm and lyrical commentary on societal issues, this track underscores Wishbone Ash's role in addressing contemporary themes through rock music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

57 /100

Foothills

Higher than 6% of albums we've rated

The compilation highlights key tracks but lacks a cohesive narrative flow.

What we noticed

Several tracks exhibit intricate twin-guitar harmonies, particularly evident in 'Phoenix' and 'Blowin’ Free'.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 4/10

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 with peaks
melodic interludes for reflection
patient unfolding of themes
live tracks energize the flow
wave-like pacing for immersion

Maybe skip if you

prefer shorter, standalone tracks
seek instant gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Deep Cut — A retrospective collection showcasing the band's evolution, not a primary entry point.
Themes: musical evolution· reflective storytelling· guitar harmonies
Moods: Nostalgic· Introspective
Career context: Released in 1993, 'Time Was: The Wishbone Ash Collection' serves as a retrospective of Wishbone Ash's influential career, highlighting their evolution from early pioneers of twin-lead guitar harmonies in the early 1970s. This compilation follows their decline in mainstream popularity after the late '80s, presenting both classic tracks and live performances to reintroduce their legacy to new audiences.
Stylistic neighbors: Thin Lizzy· UFO· Blue Öyster Cult