Marillion Albums Ranked

Marillion/məˈrɪliən/ are a British rock band, formed in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in 1979. They emerged from the post-punk music scene in Britain and existed as a bridge between the styles of punk rock and classic progressive rock, becoming the premier neo-progressive rock band of the 1980s. Despite unpopularity in the mainstream media and a consistently unfashionable status within the British music industry, Marillion has maintained a very loyal international fanbase, becoming widely acknowledged as playing a pioneering role in the development of crowdfunding and fan-funded music. They have sold over 15 million albums worldwide. Here are all of Marillion albums ranked.

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10. Sounds That Can’t Be Made (2012)

“It’s difficult to write about the feelings of music. But this album, simply, is powerful. Not heavy rock, but heavy in meaning. It’s gorgeously written, played and produced. Sometimes the album sounds like one entire uninterrupted work of music….and then there are moments of glorious wonder (e.g., at the 3:00 mark in the 3rd track, “Pour My Love”: the way that song goes into this magical aside for a short time (“In a place where flowers rot and die……” and “..There is still YOU…”). I never cease to get chills. Same with the controversial album opener, the epic “Gaza”; as I tend to side with Marillion on this political issue, I can’t help but become sad, but hopeful, at every listen.”

9. Seasons End (1989)

“This is a great debut album for vocalist Steve Hogarth. Aside from the comparisons made to Peter Gabriel(which are meaningless at any rate) Steve proves to be a versatile and powerfully expressive singer. The band as a whole shows off its versatility. They are tight, imaginative and articulate. Ian Mosely’s drumming is tremendous. Steve Rothery’s guitar work is emotional and moving”

8. The Thieving Magpie (La Gazza Ladra) (1988)

“This album is so freakin good I can not even start to pick a favorite song ( although Fugazi is increditable). Steve Rothery is the most underrated guitar player on the planet earth period and the whole band just plays with such feelings, emotions, and with such a perfect live sound. Buy this album, rip it, borrow it, I will go short of saying steal it, it is absolutely/positively must-have. I’m starting a Pratt and Whitney third shift Marillion fan club because all my co-workers hear it and first say who is this Genesis I say nope better and it goes from there give them a burned disc to listen either this of clutching at straws and then hooked line and sinker.”

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7. Afraid Of Sunlight (1995)

“Some of the best lyrics of the Steve Hogarth era appear on here. I love the final line of the last track “King”, “I hope for your sake, you’ve got what it takes, to be spoilt to death”. The song could be about anyone who achieves fame and riches. The lead off track “Gazpacho” deals with similar subject matter and is another great tune. “Beautiful” may be one of the best ballads the band has ever done. “Out Of This World” was inspired by a guy trying to set water speed record in a boat that was killed in a horrific accident. The song is haunting and reminds me of “Estonia” from the last album. The title track “Afraid Of Sunlight” is gorgeous as is “Beyond You”. The strangest song on the disc (and possibly of Marillion’s whole career) is the Beach Boys inspired “Cannibal Surf Babe”.

6. Brave (1994)

“The layering of the music always seems to draw me in, and every time I swear I hear some new nuance. The musical journey is long, epic, and has to be heard complete as many others have said. It’s not per see a single track or even passage – there isn’t to me one iconic moment or track like you’d get on say Fragile or Going for the One (Yes). Instead, it is a complete composition piece. And that more than anything is what draws me in. A complete range of emotions is had listening to this album – and I always find myself picturing our “Brave” girl standing on the bridge, and taking the journey she takes with her from there on.”

5. Marbles (2004)

“Progressive rock at its best, the stories told on this album through beautiful lyrics and masterful fusions of instruments take the listener on a peaceful journey. Steve Hogarth’s voice pierces my soul and I can feel what he feels, which so few singers are able to communicate. Well worth getting your hands on, Marbles contains some of the best music ever written, including two 10+minute songs that I never get tired of, and plenty of shorter songs that are unique, interesting, and written so well. Marillion should have rocketed to fame with this album”

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4. Fugazi (1984)

“I find that Fugazi hits with less emotional impact than Script for a Jester’s Tear, although the band still weaves some dramatically effective pieces. The shining, beautiful solo on “Incubus” during the culmination of the song’s emotions is one of Steve Rothery’s best. Rothery and drummer Ian Mosely establish a colorful Middle Eastern vibe on “Assassing.” Kelly’s harrowing organ swirls on “She Chameleon” are downright creepy, and with Fish’s venomous vocal delivery, it’s a pretty disturbing song. Even when it slips into the bouncy synth lines between the second and third verse, there’s an unsettling undertone present. What’s amazing about Marillion is that the band members were not technically stunning musicians, but they could enjoin more emotions and moods out of their instruments than almost anybody.”

3. Clutching At Straws (1987)

“I personally like all the songs and never get tired of listening to this album. Like Misplaced Childhood, it is beautifully recorded and executed to perfection. I wished Fish had recorded more albums with Marillion. You can really see his genius in full gear on this album. The climactic moments are very strong. I also love the guitar solos; I wished I could play guitar like this. The guitar playing would make David Gilmour jealous, I swear.”

2. Script For A Jester’s Tear (1983)

“The album starts with the somber title song, a song on which Fish’s vocals are particularly emotional and poignant. Next comes a more rocking tune “He Knows You Know”, a song I like especially when Fish starts singing the part “You’ve got venom in your stomach, You’ve got poison in your head”. “The Web” is arguably the weakest track on the disc, but thematically stays consistent with the title track, as the song goes “But even jesters cry”. Another strong track on the disc is “Garden Party”, which starts off with birds chirping and muted conversation as a synth takes over, then the band joins in (by the way, the bass sounds very nice on this song).”

1. Misplaced Childhood (1985)

“MISPLACED CHILDHOOD is Marillion’s best album ever. Essentially, the lyrics chronicle the childhood and adolescent experiences of lead singer Fish, as well as the consequences they had for his later life, but in reality, it could be about anyone. The lyrics on this album are, for me, a reminder of how my years at a special school left both positive and negative impacts on me, and how it was only after developing a major crush on a pretty actress that I was finally able to put paid to any intention of going back for food-related reunions. This is an album that you need to listen to over and over in order to grasp all of its meanings.”