Steve Hackett – Please Don't Touch!

Steve Hackett – Please Don't Touch!

Released in 1978 on Charisma Records, Please Don't Touch! is the second solo album by Steve Hackett and his first full-length release following his departure from Genesis in 1977. Building on the adventurous progressive rock of his earlier solo debut, Voyage of the Acolyte, Hackett expanded his musical palette with a more vocal-led collection that combines intricate guitar work, symphonic arrangements, atmospheric instrumentals and an unusually varied cast of guest performers.

Rather than simply extending the sound of Genesis, Hackett uses the album to explore different musical personalities and textures. His fluid, expressive guitar playing remains central, moving between delicate melodic passages, complex progressive arrangements and dramatic instrumental sections. The result is a richly detailed record that captures the creative ambition of British progressive rock in the late 1970s while establishing Hackett's identity as a solo artist.

One of the album's defining characteristics is its international line-up of collaborators. Singer-songwriters Richie Havens and Randy Crawford bring distinctive vocal styles to the material, while Steve Walsh and drummer Phil Ehart of American progressive rock band Kansas add another dimension to the performances. Genesis touring drummer Chester Thompson also contributes, alongside Hackett's brother John Hackett, keyboardist John Acock and violinist Graham Smith. These musicians help give the album a broader sound than a conventional solo guitar record.

The opening track, “Narnia,” introduces the album's melodic and theatrical side, while “Carry On Up The Vicarage” demonstrates Hackett's taste for characterful, offbeat songwriting. “Racing In A” provides a showcase for his intricate instrumental approach, and “Kim” offers a more concise, delicate contrast. On “Hoping Love Will Last,” the soulful vocal performance and carefully arranged accompaniment bring emotional weight to the record's more restrained moments.

The title track is a particular highlight for progressive rock listeners. Originally conceived during Hackett's Genesis years, the instrumental gives his guitar playing room to develop through shifting rhythms, layered textures and intricate arrangements. The closing track, “Icarus Ascending,” brings the album to an expansive conclusion, combining soaring vocals with Hackett's characteristic melodic guitar work.

The album's playful title, ambitious arrangements and mixture of vocal songs and instrumental passages make it an engaging entry point into Hackett's solo catalogue. It also offers an illuminating perspective on the musical directions explored by members of Genesis after the band's classic 1970s line-up began to change.

For fans of Steve Hackett, Genesis, Kansas and classic British progressive rock, Please Don't Touch! is a rewarding listen, balancing virtuoso musicianship with memorable melodies and a wide-ranging approach to arrangement. An essential title to explore for listeners interested in the more adventurous side of late-1970s progressive and art rock.

Tracklist

Side A

A1 Narnia — 4:08
A2 Carry On Up The Vicarage — 3:11
A3 Racing In A — 5:09
A4 Kim — 2:14
A5 How Can I? — 4:38

Side B

B1 Hoping Love Will Last — 4:11
B2 Land Of A Thousand Autumns — 1:49
B3 Please Don't Touch — 3:39
B4 The Voice Of Necam — 3:09
B5 Icarus Ascending — 6:20