I’m really looking forward to sharing my thoughts on this piece. It’s an instrumental track with two electric guitar solos, a short bridge, and a final note that holds for an impressive amount of time.
I’ll be reacting to it from my perspective as a classical guitarist, drawing on my years of playing, teaching, and studying music. As I listen, I’ll focus on the details that stand out to me—whether it’s the tone, phrasing, or structure—and talk about how it connects to my own experience.
I’ll also share my first impressions, highlight the moments that caught me by surprise, and reflect on how the music made me feel while I was hearing it.
Key Takeaways
- The track blends electric guitar solos with unique tonal shifts.
- Certain sections evoke classical influences in their harmony.
- Some moments in the song create a strong sense of space and atmosphere.
About Steve Hackett And Twice Around The Sun
Background Of The Song
I listened to Twice Around the Sun from Steve Hackett’s 1999 album Darktown. The track is an instrumental with two electric guitar solos and a short bridge.
It has a very space-like feel, with moments that reminded me of neo-classical music. One part even had a soft, almost Baroque sound.
The most surprising moment for me was the final note — it lasted about 65 seconds and came out of nowhere. It completely caught me off guard.
Album And Release Details
- Artist: Steve Hackett
- Song: Twice Around the Sun
- Album: Darktown
- Year: 1999
- Type: Instrumental
Even though it was released in 1999, the sound feels modern. Some parts reminded me more of music from the 2010s than the late ’90s.
Unique Musical Elements
- Two expressive electric guitar solos
- A brief bridge section
- Use of string bending for emotional effect
- Neo-classical style harmonies in some sections
- A Picardy third ending in one part (minor to major shift)
- A record-long 65-second guitar note at the end
The mix of electronic textures, spacey atmosphere, and classical-inspired harmony made it stand out to me right away.
First Impressions And Listener Experience
Initial Reactions
Right from the start, the sound felt spacey and a bit electronic. I noticed some really nice string bending that gave the guitar a smooth, expressive feel.
At one point, the harmony moved in a way that reminded me of neo-classical music, even though it wasn’t strictly classical. I also found myself drifting into thought while listening, almost like the music pulled me into another place.
Atmosphere And Mood
The track gave me the image of floating in space — fitting for a title like Twice Around the Sun. The tone stayed airy and open, with sections that felt soft and almost romantic.
Some parts sounded modern despite being recorded in 1999, which made it stand out even more. The mix of electronic textures and guitar solos kept the mood both calm and intriguing.
| Element | Feeling it Created |
|---|---|
| Spacey tones | Floating, drifting |
| Soft passages | Calm, romantic |
| Electronic edge | Modern, sleek |
Surprising Moments
The biggest surprise was the long final note — about 65 seconds — that appeared out of nowhere. I knew it was coming, but I still forgot about it until it hit.
That sudden arrival made it even more striking. Another unexpected moment was the major Picardy ending after a minor section.
It gave the close a bright lift that felt satisfying and complete.
Musical Analysis
Guitar Techniques And Solos
The piece has two main electric guitar solos and a short bridge. I noticed smooth string bending that gave certain notes a vocal-like quality.
The solos felt powerful yet effortless, with a clean tone that carried well over the backing.
Key techniques I heard:
- Sustained notes with clear vibrato
- Melodic phrasing instead of fast runs
- Dynamic control to shift from soft to intense passages
Electronic And Neoclassical Influences
Some sections had a spacey, electronic texture that made the track feel modern despite its 1999 release. One part reminded me of neoclassical music because of the way the harmony moved.
It even had a major Picardy ending in one section — starting in minor but resolving in major.
Notable Sections And Transitions
The transitions between the solos and the bridge felt natural. At one point, a soft neoclassical-sounding section shifted smoothly into a more electronic, space-like atmosphere.
Memorable moments:
- Romantic-sounding phrases early in the song
- The sudden arrival of the final sustained note
- Harmonic changes that gave the piece a baroque-like flavor in places
Longest Guitar Note
The final note stood out the most. It lasted about 65 seconds, which is unusually long for a sustained guitar note.
It appeared suddenly, catching me off guard, and fit perfectly with the spacey mood of the track.
Personal Reflections As A Classical Guitarist
Comparisons To Classical And Modern Styles
Some sections reminded me of neo-classical writing, especially in the way the harmony moved. It even had moments that felt a bit Baroque-inspired, though not strictly in that style.
I also noticed a Picardy third—a minor section ending on a major chord—which I always enjoy hearing. At the same time, the overall sound felt very modern, more like music from the 2010s than from 1999.
The mix of electronic textures with melodic guitar lines made it stand apart from traditional classical guitar pieces.
Emotional Impact
The music felt space-like and made me drift into thought. Some bends and soft passages had a romantic quality that pulled me in.
The surprise of the final long note—held for about 65 seconds—caught me off guard in a good way. At times, I forgot I was even waiting for that note because I was so absorbed in the atmosphere.
Standout Musical Features
- Two main electric guitar solos with a short bridge.
- Electronic elements blended with expressive guitar phrasing.
- The longest sustained guitar note I’ve ever heard in a song.
- A major Picardy third resolution that gave the ending of one section a bright lift.
| Feature | My Reaction |
|---|---|
| Long sustained note | Surprised and impressed |
| Neo-classical harmony | Familiar yet fresh |
| Space-like sound | Immersive and calming |
| Romantic bends | Added warmth |
Viewer Engagement And Community
Patreon And Early Access
I offer early access to all my videos through Patreon. Right now, I have 30 to 40 videos ready for you to watch before they go live on YouTube.
By joining, you not only get to see my content first, but you also help support the direction of my channel.
Benefits for patrons:
- Watch videos before everyone else
- Access a larger library of my work
- Support the growth of my channel
Encouraging Comments And Feedback
I always enjoy reading your comments and hearing your thoughts. If you notice something I missed or have your own opinion about a song, please share it.
Ways to engage:
- Leave your feedback in the comments
- Point out details I might have overlooked
- Share your personal take on the music
Your input helps me improve and makes the conversation around the music more interesting.
Conclusion And Final Thoughts
I really enjoyed how the piece mixed spacey, electronic textures with moments that felt neo-classical. The bending work stood out, and the harmonic shifts gave certain sections a baroque-like flavor.
One of my favorite moments was the major Picardy ending in that softer section. It gave the passage a warm, unexpected lift.
The 65-second sustained note completely caught me off guard. It appeared out of nowhere and fit the song’s floating, atmospheric mood.
- Space-like ambience throughout
- Smooth blend of electric solos and soft bridge
- Surprising long note that felt natural in context
