Gentle Giant – Civilian

Gentle Giant – Civilian

Released in 1980, Civilian is the final studio album from British progressive rock pioneers Gentle Giant. It captures the band exploring a more direct, high-energy sound, combining punchy rock arrangements and memorable choruses with the intricate musicianship that had distinguished their earlier work.

Recorded in North America with renowned engineer Geoff Emerick, the album reflects the group's move towards a more concise, accessible style without abandoning their musical sophistication. The driving opener “Convenience (Clean And Easy)” sets the tone, while “Shadows On The Street” brings atmospheric keyboard textures and “Inside Out” offers a darker, more brooding highlight.

Featuring Derek Shulman's distinctive vocals alongside Gary Green's guitar, Kerry Minnear's keyboards, Ray Shulman's bass and John Weathers' drums, Civilian is an essential chapter in Gentle Giant's discography and a compelling final statement from one of progressive rock's most individual bands.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Convenience (Clean And Easy) — 3:12

2. All Through The Night — 4:20

3. Shadows On The Street — 3:17

4. Number One — 4:44

Side B

1. Underground — 3:47

2. I Am A Camera — 3:29

3. Inside Out — 5:50

4. It's Not Imagination — 3:57