Tough
Wishbone Ash · 2008
46 min · 9 tracks · hard rock
A resilient blend of hard rock and blues-infused melodies, reflecting both introspection and a defiant spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
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Mountainside Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its soaring guitar solos and reflective lyrics about overcoming challenges. Its melodic structure highlights the band's signature harmony-driven sound.
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Almighty Blues — This track showcases a powerful blend of blues-rock elements and heartfelt vocals, embodying the emotional depth that runs throughout the album. Its infectious groove makes it a standout piece.
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In Crisis — The closing track explores themes of uncertainty and resilience through its dynamic shifts and intricate instrumentation. It encapsulates the album’s overarching message of perseverance.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases solid songwriting and performance but lacks standout moments that elevate it beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo rock sound with layered guitar harmonies and prominent solos.
- Tracks four through six introduce more varied tempos, with 'Changing Tracks' featuring a slower, reflective pace.
- The final three tracks build in intensity, culminating in 'In Crisis,' which features a climactic guitar solo and a return to the album's heavier sound.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- 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
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- cathartic release of tension
- reflective moments of introspection
- steady pacing with emotional depth
- resilient themes of overcoming adversity
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat instant gratification
- dislike longer, narrative tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases band's enduring influence after a five-year hiatus.
- Themes
- overcoming challenges· blues-infused resilience
- Career context
- Released in 2008, Tough marked Wishbone Ash's return after a five-year hiatus following their previous album, Clan Destiny. This period was characterized by lineup changes, with founding member Andy Powell remaining as the driving force behind the band's sound. The album captures a mature perspective from the band, blending their classic rock roots with contemporary themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thin Lizzy· UFO· Blue Öyster Cult
Tracklist
- 1 Mountainside Start here 6:01
- 2 Wait Out the Storm 3:44
- 3 Almighty Blues 5:24
- 4 Changing Tracks 4:18
- 5 Ancient Remedy 4:48
- 6 Eyes Wide Open 5:14
- 7 The Power 5:48
- 8 Healing Ground 4:24
- 9 In Crisis 6:35
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Blues of Desperation
Joe Bonamassa
Shares a blues-infused resilience and rich guitar work reflecting personal struggles.
Kentucky
Black Stone Cherry
Combines hard rock energy with introspective themes and a Southern blues influence.
Hollow Bones
Rival Sons
Features a blend of hard rock and soulful melodies, capturing a defiant spirit and emotional depth.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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