Fear of a Blank Planet

There is a good album in here and parts of this I liked a lot. But that 17 minute song killed everything I enjoyed about it. Would've been more my speed if they made three actual songs out of it instead of trying to tie 3 songs into one via suites. It's already a concept album, that's fine to do. The more I think about Anesthetize the more annoyed I get at this album.

It's probably a 3 for me, but I'm knocking it down one because I'm annoyed all over again thinking of it.

Favourite songs: Fear of a Blank Planet, Anesthetize, Way Out Here

Least favourite songs: Sentimental

3/5

This is cool! dig the sound.

I'm not sure what was unique and interesting about this album. I put it on twice and done remember much.

Nothing special or really all that interesting about this one. It is just there...1.5/5

Reminded me of Muse in that they're very technically competent and relishing in post-Radiohead melancholia, but they also don't seem to have a damn thing to sing about.

Prog prog, with a side of prog. I enjoyed finding out that there were still albums like this being released recently(ish) - even if it wasn't my favourite on the list. Stoners and weird kids need something to listen to, right?

Porcupine Tree was one of the modern juggernauts of prog-rock. Subtle musicianship, incredibly detailed compositions, atmosphere that leans melancholic and dark. This album is inspired by Bret Easton Ellis's Lunar Park, telling the story of a kid overwhelmed by mass media and technology. Many lyrics are borrowed directly from the book.

In 2007, I thought this was superb. Then I lost interest. Not in this album specifically, but in prog-rock generally. Too much of it is fret-wanking without emotion, just musicians showing off. Revisiting this now, it's stood the test of time. The darkness and bleakness work. The theme feels even more relevant in 2025.

Steven Wilson isn't the flashiest guitarist, but the drummer (Gavin Harrison) is exceptional, and the atmosphere is what makes it work.

A strong album. Personally a 4-star experience, but objectively? This is an essential album for the style. Absolutely belongs on a 1001 albums list.

Grading on the curve of Steven Wilson works, I liked his solo album on here better. Grading on the curve of “keeping the torch of prog rock lit during the 21st century,” I like Mars Volta better