What is the best Big Big Train album to start with?

The best album to start with is "Folklore" (2016). It's the most representative of what makes Big Big Train worth hearing.

What are the best Big Big Train albums?

The essential Big Big Train albums include "The Infant Hercules" (1993), "Goodbye to the Age of Steam" (1994), "English Boy Wonders" (1997), "Bard" (2002) and "Gathering Speed" (2004).

How many albums does Big Big Train have?

Big Big Train has 31 releases in their discography, including 28 albums and 3 EPs.

Photo: Mewhen123 · CC BY 2.0

Big Big Train

Q: Who is Big Big Train for?

If you're into progressive rock, Big Big Train is worth your time. Their music builds layers of atmospheric tension through sweeping melodies and rhythmic shifts, culminating in moments of cathartic release.

Their music builds layers of atmospheric tension through sweeping melodies and rhythmic shifts, culminating in moments of cathartic release.

progressive rock

United Kingdom Est. 1990

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Start here

The album

Folklore (2016)

Offers a cohesive blend of their atmospheric sound and melodic storytelling, making it a solid introduction to their progressive rock style.

The song

“The Transit of Venus Across the Sun” from English Electric Part Two

Engaging from the start, this track encapsulates their signature sound with rich layers and emotional build-up, for new listeners.

See the full guide

Songs to start with

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

1

"The Second Brightest Star" — from The Second Brightest Star (2017)

establishes the sonic palette early
2

"High Tide, Last Stand" — from Gathering Speed (2004)

establishes the sonic palette early
3

"Dismounting Tigers" — from The Infant Hercules (1993)

establishes the sonic palette early
4

"The First Rebreather" — from English Electric Part One (2012)

establishes the sonic palette early
5

"Folklore" — from Folklore (2016)

establishes the sonic palette early
6

"Make Some Noise" — from Make Some Noise (2013)

accessible entry with immediate hook

About Big Big Train

Big Big Train matters for their ability to reframe the narrative of progressive rock, weaving rich storytelling into expansive soundscapes that evoke a strong sense of place and time.

They have created a distinct space within music where history, nature, and personal reflection intermingle, allowing listeners to experience a journey through both emotional landscapes and literal geography. Their approach centers on meticulous craftsmanship, with each composition offering an intricate tapestry of instrumentation and texture. The band often employs contrasting dynamics, building from gentle melodies to grand climaxes, creating an immersive listening experience that pulls audiences into their vividly constructed worlds. This process is marked by a collective synergy, where each member’s contribution enhances the overall impact, resulting in a cohesive sonic vision. Lyrically, Big Big Train frequently explores themes of nostalgia, connection to the past, and the natural world, employing a storytelling voice that invites listeners to reflect on their own experiences. Their tone balances sincerity with an evocative quality that paints vivid images without being overly explicit, leaving room for personal interpretation. This blend of narrative depth and lyrical nuance fosters a participatory relationship between the music and its audience.

28 studio albums· 31 total releases· 3 decades· United Kingdom