What makes Wild Frontier by Gary Moore notable?

The album reached number 4 on the UK Albums Chart and was well-received critically, showcasing Moore’s ability to fuse genres seamlessly. It produced hits like 'Over the Hills and Far Away', becoming a staple in his live performances and influencing rock musicians interested in blending traditional sounds with modern rock. Released in 1987, 'Wild Frontier' marked Gary Moore's artistic shift towards incorporating more elements of Irish folk into his hard rock sound. This album followed his successful 'Wild Frontier' single and came after his critically acclaimed work on 'Corridors of Power'. At this point in his career, Moore was solidifying his status as a versatile guitarist and songwriter.

Who is Wild Frontier for?

Wild Frontier works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long, immersive listening sessions and wave-like pacing dynamics.

How many songs are on Wild Frontier?

Wild Frontier has 11 tracks, running approximately 56 minutes.

Wild Frontier

Gary Moore · 1987

56 min · 11 tracks · blues

A vibrant blend of rock and blues, infused with Celtic influences and soaring guitar solos that evoke a sense of adventure.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Over the Hills and Far Away — This track exemplifies the album’s fusion of rock and Celtic folk, featuring emotive lyrics and an iconic guitar melody that resonates with listeners.
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Wild Frontier — The title track captures the spirit of adventure with its driving rhythm and vivid storytelling, marking a significant thematic element of the album.
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The Loner — This song stands out for its introspective lyrics and haunting melody, showcasing Moore's capacity for emotional depth within a rock framework.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends rock and Celtic influences effectively, showcasing strong craftsmanship and memorable melodies.

What we noticed

The first four tracks feature a consistent mid-tempo rock feel, while the fifth track shifts to a more upbeat dance rhythm.
Several songs incorporate traditional Irish instrumentation, such as the use of tin whistles and fiddles alongside electric guitar solos.
The album closes with a ballad that contrasts sharply with the preceding energetic tracks, creating a notable dynamic shift.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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 emotional journeys
long, immersive listening sessions
wave-like pacing dynamics
adventurous storytelling elements

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Marked a shift in style and brought wider recognition with hits like 'Over the Hills and Far Away'.
Career context: Released in 1987, 'Wild Frontier' marked Gary Moore's artistic shift towards incorporating more elements of Irish folk into his hard rock sound. This album followed his successful 'Wild Frontier' single and came after his critically acclaimed work on 'Corridors of Power'. At this point in his career, Moore was solidifying his status as a versatile guitarist and songwriter.
Stylistic neighbors: Joe Bonamassa· Peter Green· Eric Clapton