Album: Sitting Targets

Overview
"Sitting Targets" is the tenth studio album by English singer-songwriter and artist Peter Hammill, released in June 1981. Following his stint with the progressive rock attire Van der Graaf Generator, Hammill continued to launch solo albums throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s. "Sitting Targets" is reflective of Hammill's development as both a songwriter and entertainer, showcasing a more refined and dynamic approach to composing and setting up music while using listeners an engaging mix of progressive rock, new wave, and art rock designs.

Production and Musical Style
Recorded mainly at Hammill's house studio, Sofa Sound, "Sitting Targets" was produced by the singer himself, with additional recording occurring at Crescent Studios in Bath, England, under the assistance of engineer David Lord. The production of the album highlights Hammill's dedication to crafting a cohesive and appealing musical landscape, with meticulous sonic information and nuanced efficiencies throughout.

Musically, "Sitting Targets" presents a varied range of designs and affects, reflecting Hammill's special ability to perfectly transition from category to genre. From the driving rock energy of opening track "Breakthrough" to the atmospheric and threatening "Central Hotel", the album is a testimony to Hammill's ability to fuse disparate influences and designs into a single, unified vision. Key aspects of the album's sound consist of Hammill's distinct and emotive vocals, along with his skillful manipulation of guitar, keyboards, and other instrumentation.

Lyrical Themes and Songwriting
Lyrically, "Sitting Targets" explores styles of introspection, isolation, and disillusionment. These styles can be heard on tracks like "Empress's Clothes", which critiques social hypocrisy, and "Ophelia", a poetic meditation on loss and longing inspired by Shakespeare's tragic character. Through his lyrics, Hammill welcomes listeners to reflect on the human condition and the darker aspects of life, crafting vibrant stories and engaging character sketches that are both thought-provoking and mentally resonant.

Hammill's songwriting on this album shows his penchant for mixing complicated narrative aspects with striking imagery, easily weaving together varied impacts from literature, philosophy, and everyday experiences. The resulting tune structures are detailed and multilayered, satisfying numerous listens and exposing concealed depths in both the lyrics and music.

Reception and Legacy
"Sitting Targets" received generally positive evaluations upon release, with critics praising Hammill's songwriting, singing performances, and eclectic musical plans. The album has actually continued to be considered as a standout entry in Hammill's extensive brochure, with lots of fans and critics considering it to be an emphasize of his 1980s output.

In the years given that its release, the album has actually been recognized as a substantial impact on many progressive rock, art rock, and alternative artists. Despite not accomplishing substantial business success, "Sitting Targets" has actually gotten a devoted following and stays an essential listen for fans of progressive rock and enthusiastic, genre-defying music.

Conclusion
With its detailed blend of musical styles and thought-provoking lyrical styles, Peter Hammill's "Sitting Targets" stands as a fascinating and enigmatic album that rewards close, repeated listening. Showcasing Hammill's exceptional ability to produce dense and immersive musical landscapes by deftly weaving together varied influences and sonic textures, "Sitting Targets" is a testament to the long-lasting power and influence of creative and boundary-pushing artistry in the world of progressive rock and beyond.