I have been a fan of Marillion’s since I heard their popular love ballad “Kayleigh” in 1985. Ever since, I have lived for each new release. While they never really reached a broad following, several of their releases were significant musical accomplishments. Not until this week (3/12/2022), did they achieve the UK Chart Ranking as high as Clutching at Straws in 1987. Kayleigh’s Misplaced Childhood hit number 1 in 1985. But that’s a lifetime ago.
An Hour Before It’s Dark achieved a ranking of #2. For many the Marillion fans like me, it is shocking that their work, in the Steve Hogarth era hasn’t been more popular. Then again, progressive rock bands like Pink Floyd, Yes, Genesis, Rush, always fought for success and shunned pop songs in favor of fan pleasers. Yes, many progressive rock groups published “pop songs.” Genesis found a ton of success with many poppy treats. However, Marillion has mostly held true their prog roots. This album is NO deviation. Yes, there are tunes to rock out to. Yes, there is some preachiness, but… WE just survived a global pandemic. We are also still in the midst of a climate crisis. Argue amongst yourselves and then get over it.
The standouts on this album (my opinion), are Murder Machines, Be Hard on Yourself, and Care. They are powerful, emotional and moving pieces of music. Bop, sing and cry lately? In the same song? Try NOT crying during Murder Machines. Watch the video and tell me that the imagery that your love could have caused a loved one to perish due to COVID transmission. I dare you!
I put my arms around her
I put my arms around her
I put my arms around her
And I killed her with love
I killed her
Marillion, An Hour Before It’s Dark – Murder Machines (2022)
Be Hard on Yourself is preachy, yes. But, the heart of the song is that we waste resources on excess. That is definitely true. I didn’t need the Apple Watch 7. The 5 was fine, but why did I buy the 6? I blame marketing. The song is right. Cause of death: lust for luxury. That may well be my epitaph.
Strap in
Get Ready
Foot Down
Press the Button
Blow it all up and be hard on yourself.
Marillion, An Hour Before It’s Dark – Be Hard on Yourself (2022)
They are instructions on how to consider a different life. It is essentially what people are doing now, during “The Great Resignation.” It is an anthem for 2022. How many of us have taken new jobs? Blown up our lives that we knew before the pandemic.
With Care, we live through the way healthcare treats those of us to suffer through disease. If you have ever taken a pill or been diagnosed with ANYTHING, can you not listen to the words of this song and not be moved? BULLSHIT!
Whether you like it or not
Marillion, An Hour Before It’s Dark – Care (2022)
When it’s gone, it’s gonna take you with it
The other songs do not lack for anything. They are moving, beautiful songs as well.
Reprogram the Gene is a love song to the Earth. It is fascinating, fun and will have those that go… climate change again? Yes. Just deal with it.
The Crow and the Nightingale is just beautiful. It is melodic, full of just amazing lyrics. I can’t really describe it otherwise. I just love it.
Then there is Sierra Leone. It feels like a story. It could be. It may describe many people’s stories. Could be a modern day parable. It is a multiple-part song that Marillion has been perfecting over the last few albums. It is just beautiful.
As I mentioned before, there are many that will react to this album differently. That is nothing new to Marillion. There is always dissent even among the fan base. What cannot be disputed is the mastery that Steve Rothery, Ian Mosley, Mark Kelly, Pete Trewavas, and Steve Hogarth put forth on the album. They are amazing. The engineering from team Marillion is spectacular, thank you Michael Hunter. Even the album art is intriguing, thank you Simon Ward.
To me, their 20th studio album is a masterpiece. Written and recorded during a global pandemic. While many were suffering, lost jobs, sick, fighting, trying to survive or all of the above, Marillion were writing powerful words, melodies, and chords. Yes, I love this album. Maybe their most complete work ever. Marbles? Yeah. Brave? Yeah. AHBID… Yes!
Marillion is at the top of their game. Thank goodness that 2022 has some good in it.