Steven Wilson recently released his eighth solo album, The Overview, continuing his reputation as one of progressive music’s most innovative voices. Wilson’s solo career has spanned a remarkable range of styles—from the dark, experimental textures of Insurgentes and Grace for Drowning, to the progressive rock pinnacle of The Raven That Refused to Sing, the deeply emotional concept album Hand.Cannot.Erase, and the pop-prog sensibilities of To the Bone. In the years since, he has expanded his sonic palette further with The Future Bites and The Harmony Codex, leading up to the sweeping, cinematic scope of The Overview. Below are some of his best songs from across his previous solo albums.
The Raven That Refused To Sing (From The Raven That Refused To Sing) – The title track from his critically acclaimed masterpiece The Raven That Refused to Sing remains one of Steven Wilson’s most celebrated works—at one point, he even called it the best song he had ever written. Over a decade later, its haunting beauty and emotional weight still resonate just as powerfully. The accompanying video is equally unforgettable.
Home Invasion / Regret #9 (from Hand.Cannot.Erase) – An intense, heavy piece from Wilson’s 2015 concept album, this track stands out for its detailed instrumentation and standout musicianship. The performances by Adam Holzman (keys), Guthrie Govan (guitar), Marco Minneman (drums), and Nick Beggs (bass) make this track a prog tour de force and one of many highlights from what many consider his best album.
Detonation (from To the Bone) – The longest and most progressive track on To the Bone, this song proved that even as Wilson explored more streamlined, accessible sounds, he hadn’t abandoned the intricate, expansive songwriting that made him one of the defining prog artists of his generation. Its shifting moods and dynamic build remain a showcase of his compositional mastery.
My Book of Regrets (from 4 1/2) – Originally a leftover from the Hand.Cannot.Erase sessions, this track found its home on the 4 1/2 mini-album. With its shifting time signatures, atmospheric passages, and soaring guitar work, it feels like a love letter to Wilson’s Porcupine Tree years—pure classic prog with his unmistakable modern touch.
Deform to Form a Star (from Grace for Drowning) – This ballad from Wilson’s second solo album features a subtle, expressive piano performance by Jordan Rudess. His signature, layered harmonies and understated arrangement highlight Wilson’s ability to blend emotional weight with musical precision. This song is strongly reminiscent of his early Porcupine Tree work.
Harmony Korine (from Insurgentes) – The opening track from Wilson’s first solo album is the closest in style to his work with Porcupine Tree. While much of Insurgentes explores different sonic territory, this track remains a staple in his live shows and a strong example of his early solo sound.
12 Things I Forgot (The Future Bites, 2021) – While the album this track is from, The Future Bites, takes a more electronica approach, this standout song is perhaps its most simple and straightforward, focusing on brilliant melody and harmonies. Its understated vocals and clean guitar tones make the reflective lyrics about small regrets and realizations especially relatable.
Staircase (The Harmony Codex, 2023) – The closing track of The Harmony Codex is a slow-burning, immersive piece built around pulsing synth patterns and layered atmospheres. It draws the listener into a meditative mood while gradually expanding into a wide, textured soundscape, showing Wilson exploring beyond traditional song structures into more atmospheric and experimental territory.
Photo Credit: Larry Marano Photography
Steven Wilson is an under-rated genius. His eight albums are brilliant and Hand.Cannot.Erase and The Raven are both in my top ten albums of all time.
I saw him at the London Palladium earlier this year and he solidified his position as my favourite artist, in all his various forms.