What is the best Andy Summers album to start with?

The best album to start with is "I Advance Masked" (1982). It's the most representative of what makes Andy Summers worth hearing.

What are the best Andy Summers albums?

The essential Andy Summers albums include "I Advance Masked" (1982), "XYZ" (1987), "Charming Snakes" (1990), "World Gone Strange" (1991) and "First You Build A Cloud" (2007).

How many albums does Andy Summers have?

Andy Summers has 21 releases in their discography, including 21 albums.

Andy Summers

Q: Who is Andy Summers for?

If you're into jazz and new wave, Andy Summers is worth your time. Summers crafts intricate soundscapes with layered guitar textures that shift rhythmically, creating an immersive listening experience rich in tension and release.

Summers crafts intricate soundscapes with layered guitar textures that shift rhythmically, creating an immersive listening experience rich in tension and release.

jazz · new wave · progressive rock

United Kingdom

Read about Andy Summers on Bookshop

Start here

The album

I Advance Masked (1982)

Showcases Summers' intricate guitar work and immersive soundscapes, making it a solid entry point for understanding his style.

The song

“Love Is the Seventh Wave”

Features engaging hooks and highlights Summers' unique guitar textures, serving as a strong standalone introduction to his music.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

If you'd rather pick a song than an album.

1

"Mexico 1920" — from Charming Snakes (1990)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"Love Is the Strangest Way" — from XYZ (1987)

accessible entry with immediate hook
3

"First You Build a Cloud" — from First You Build A Cloud (2007)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"World Gone Strange" — from World Gone Strange (1991)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Levitation" — from Circus Hero (2014)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"I Advance Masked" — from I Advance Masked (1982)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Andy Summers

Andy Summers matters for his ability to merge the cerebral with the visceral, creating a sonic landscape that challenges and enchants listeners.

His work transcends mere musicality, often serving as a bridge between genres, fostering an appreciation for both structured composition and improvisational freedom.

His work transcends mere musicality, often serving as a bridge between genres, fostering an appreciation for both structured composition and improvisational freedom. By navigating the realms of jazz and new wave, he has reshaped expectations around guitar-centric music, influencing countless artists to explore the intersections of these styles. Summers approaches music with a painter's mindset, layering textures and colors through innovative guitar techniques and sound manipulation. He often incorporates atmospheric effects that create a sense of space while maintaining rhythmic integrity. This exploratory spirit is evident in his willingness to embrace unconventional song structures and sounds, inviting listeners into a deeper conversation rather than simply delivering entertainment. His lyrics frequently reflect on themes of introspection, existentialism, and the human experience, conveyed through a voice that balances sincerity with an impressionistic lens. Summers' storytelling invites reflection, often leaving emotional interpretation open-ended rather than prescriptive. The tone remains contemplative yet engaging, drawing listeners into a shared journey through sound.

21 studio albums· 4 decades· United Kingdom