Top tracks — play these first
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Vigil — The opening track sets an introspective tone with its sweeping melodies and poetic lyrics, establishing Fish's unique voice post-Marillion.
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Big Wedge — This single stands out for its catchy chorus and sharp commentary on personal disillusionment, resonating widely during its release.
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Internal Exile — This track encapsulates themes of isolation and reflection, showcasing Fish's lyrical prowess and emotional depth within a compelling musical framework.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album features intricate melodies and reflective lyrics, but its cohesion is affected by the inclusion of demo tracks.
What we noticed
- The first track opens with a spoken word section that transitions into a full band arrangement, establishing a dramatic tone.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- rich narrative exploration throughout
- intricate melodies for deep listening
- thoughtful reflections on society
- patient unfolding of themes
- immersive experience for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer quick, upbeat tracks
- seek straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on January 29, 1990, Vigil in a Wilderness of Mirrors marked Fish's debut solo album after leaving Marillion, showcasing his artistic independence. This album followed the commercial success of Marillion's Misplaced Childhood, setting the stage for Fish to establish himself as a prominent figure in neo-prog music.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Marillion· Porcupine Tree· IQ
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Vigil 8:47
- 2 Big Wedge 5:22
- 3 State of Mind 4:46
- 4 The Company 4:08
- 5 A Gentleman’s Excuse Me 4:19
- 6 The Voyeur (I Like to Watch) 4:45
- 7 Family Business 5:17
- 8 View From a Hill 6:41
- 9 Cliché 7:10
- 10 Jack and Jill 4:28
- 11 Internal Exile 4:51
- 12 The Company (demo) 4:30
- 13 A Gentleman’s Excuse Me (demo) 3:55
- 14 Whiplash 4:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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