What, Now?
Peter Hammill · 2001
49 min · 8 tracks · rock music
A reflective tapestry of intricate melodies and introspective lyrics, weaving rock with poetic storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
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Here Come the Talkies — This opening track sets the tone with its theatrical flair and sweeping instrumentation, highlighting Hammill's narrative style that blends storytelling with musical exploration.
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Lunatic in Knots — With its lengthy structure and emotional intensity, this track exemplifies Hammill's skill in building tension through intricate arrangements and poignant lyrics.
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Fed to the Wolves — This track stands out for its raw energy and biting commentary, showcasing Hammill's ability to tackle darker themes within a compelling sonic landscape.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate songwriting and strong performances but may not resonate widely beyond its genre.
What we noticed
- Hammill's vocal delivery varies from soft, spoken passages to powerful, soaring melodies, creating an emotional contrast throughout the record.
- Several tracks incorporate unconventional song structures, such as 'Wendy and the Lost Boy', which eschews traditional verse-chorus forms for a more narrative-driven approach.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
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
- thoughtful reflections on modernity
- contemplative moments of introspection
- dynamic pacing across diverse tracks
- narrative-driven lyrical explorations
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer upbeat party vibes
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2001, What, Now? was Peter Hammill's thirteenth solo studio album, coming after his 1996 release, The Noise. By this time, Hammill had established himself as a prominent figure in the progressive rock scene, known for his complex compositions and thoughtful lyrics.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Van der Graaf Generator· Robert Wyatt· King Crimson
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Here Come the Talkies 9:44
- 2 Far-Flung (Across the Sky) 3:25
- 3 The American Girl 3:11
- 4 Wendy and the Lost Boy 3:30
- 5 Lunatic in Knots 8:04
- 6 Edge of the Road 10:07
- 7 Fed to the Wolves 6:28
- 8 Enough 4:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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