Complete List Of Big Big Train Albums And Discography

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Big Big Train began their journey in Bournemouth, England, in 1990, founded by multi-instrumentalist Greg Spawton and bassist Andy Poole. The two musicians, drawn together by their shared love of progressive rock, spent the early months refining their approach in the local scene, aiming to blend narrative songwriting with the layered complexities of the genre’s classic era. Their efforts soon yielded a core lineup, and by 1991, Big Big Train was officially underway, steadily gaining a following through home recordings and energetic live performances.

Their debut album, Goodbye to the Age of Steam, arrived in 1994, produced by Martin Read and featuring a collection of tracks that introduced their blend of intricate arrangements, English storytelling, and a strong melodic sensibility. Despite limited commercial impact, the album quickly became a cult favorite among prog fans. Over the next few years, Spawton and Poole weathered several lineup changes, which became a running theme throughout the band’s history. During this period, they independently released several works, including English Boy Wonders (1997), an ambitious concept album that further refined their sound but struggled with distribution issues, leading to a temporary setback in their momentum.

Undeterred, Big Big Train spent the next decade meticulously building their catalog and reputation. The release of Bard in 2002 marked a new era for the group, offering a collection of songs inspired by English history and landscapes, which soon became a hallmark of the band’s identity. It was around this time that drummer Steve Hughes and vocalist Sean Filkins joined, bringing fresh energy and technical prowess to the recordings and live shows. Their 2004 compilation, Tracks from the Big Big Train, revisited and remixed earlier material, offering longtime fans an updated perspective on their formative years.

The breakthrough came in 2007 with The Difference Machine, an album inspired by the death of Spawton’s father and influenced by the classic 1970s prog sound. Featuring guest contributions from Nick D’Virgilio of Spock’s Beard and Dave Meros, the record marked a leap in both production and songwriting ambition. Its follow-up, The Underfall Yard (2009), brought further acclaim, as the band added vocalist David Longdon, guitarist Dave Gregory (formerly of XTC), and D’Virgilio as a full-time member. This release became a touchstone for modern prog, lauded for its sweeping orchestrations, evocative lyrics, and compelling performances. Many fans and critics point to tracks like “Victorian Brickwork” and “The Underfall Yard” as defining moments, cementing Big Big Train’s place among progressive rock’s contemporary leaders.

Throughout the 2010s, Big Big Train maintained a prolific pace. English Electric Part One (2012) and English Electric Part Two (2013) were released in quick succession, both of which expanded on the band’s fascination with English life, industry, and rural landscapes. These albums received strong reviews and elevated the group’s status within the progressive community. The English Electric: Full Power box set followed, compiling both albums along with additional tracks, and further solidifying their creative vision. Big Big Train’s lineup during this period became increasingly collaborative, bringing in musicians such as violinist Rachel Hall and brass player Dave Desmond, resulting in a rich, orchestral sound that set the band apart.

Their live presence also grew during this time, culminating in the well-received Stone and Steel Blu-ray (2016), which captured their live performances and the camaraderie within the expanded lineup. The albums Folklore (2016) and Grimspound (2017) continued to draw from the band’s English heritage, exploring everything from mythology to personal tales, while The Second Brightest Star (2017) and Grand Tour (2019) showcased their willingness to experiment, incorporating elements of classical music and broader European themes. The latter reached number 35 on the UK Albums Chart, marking their highest charting position and reflecting a growing international audience.

Big Big Train’s discography continued to evolve with Common Ground (2021) and Welcome to the Planet (2022), both of which saw the band adjusting to the loss of longtime vocalist David Longdon, who tragically passed away in 2021. Despite this devastating blow, the group pressed on, honoring Longdon’s legacy while introducing new members and collaborators. Their ability to carry on through adversity speaks to the band’s resilience and the loyalty of their fanbase.

The band’s influence extends beyond music. They have garnered nominations and awards in the progressive rock sphere, including honors at the Progressive Music Awards, and are frequently cited as torchbearers for the modern British progressive movement. Their thematic focus on history, community, and connection resonates deeply with fans who appreciate the storytelling depth and lush musical backdrops. Outside of recording and touring, members of Big Big Train have engaged in various charitable and educational projects, further endearing themselves to audiences and contributing to their positive reputation.

With over a dozen studio albums, several EPs, and a growing list of live recordings, Big Big Train has carved out a distinct niche in contemporary progressive rock. Their music’s combination of technical excellence, narrative sophistication, and heartfelt emotion has allowed them to build a passionate international following. The group’s ongoing evolution, including the embrace of new members and creative directions, shows a band committed to both their legacy and the promise of future innovation. Big Big Train remains a vital force in progressive music, celebrated for their ability to connect the past and present in ways that are both musically ambitious and deeply human.

Big Big Train Albums

Goodbye to the Age of Steam

Released: 1994

1. “Wind Distorted Pioneers” Spawton 3:21
2. “Head Hit the Pillow” Spawton 5:48
3. “Edge of the Known World” Spawton 4:47
4. “Landfall” Spawton 4:18
5. “Dragon Bone Hill” Spawton 3:52
6. “Blow the House Down” Spawton, Cooper 9:20
7. “Expecting Snow” Spawton 2:36
8. “Blue Silver Red” Spawton, Poole 10:03
9. “Losing Your Way” Spawton 7:28

English Boy Wonders

Released: 1997

1. “Big Empty Skies” Spawton 4:21
2. “Brushed Aside” Spawton 5:37
3. “A Giddy Thing” Spawton 5:16
4. “28 Years” Read, Spawton 2:24
5. “Pretty Mom” Spawton, Poole 3:26
6. “Out of It” Spawton 5:57
7. “Cloudless and Starry and Still” Spawton, Poole 3:33
8. “Albion Perfide” Spawton, Poole, Muller 10:23
9. “Right to the End of the World Tra-La” Spawton 1:56
10. “The Shipping Forecast” Spawton 10:46
11. “Mr Boxgroveman” Spawton, Poole 6:12
12. “Reaching for John Dowland” Spawton, Poole, Hughes 8:13
13. “Fell Asleep” Spawton 3:35

Bard

Released: 2002

1. “The Last English King” Spawton 5:50
2. “Broken English” Spawton, Poole, Hogg 14:09
3. “This Is Where We Came In” Spawton 5:22
4. “Harold Rex Interfectus Est” Spawton 1:02
5. “Blacksmithing” Spawton 3:03
6. “Malfosse” Spawton 0:53
7. “Love Is Her Thing” Spawton 3:50
8. “How the Earth from This Place Has Power Over Fire” Spawton 1:53
9. “A Short Visit to Earth” Spawton 6:18
10. “For Winter” Spawton, Poole 16:47
11. “A Long Finish” Spawton 8:20

Gathering Speed

Released: 2004

1. “High Tide, Last Stand” Spawton, Poole, Hughes, Filkins 7:06
2. “Fighter Command” Spawton, Poole, Hughes, Filkins 10:44
3. “The Road Much Further On” Spawton, Poole, Filkins 8:39
4. “Sky Flying on Fire” Spawton, Poole, Hughes, Filkins 6:04
5. “Pell Mell” Spawton, Poole, Hughes, Filkins 6:36
6. “Powder Monkey” Spawton, Poole, Filkins 9:08
7. “Gathering Speed” Spawton, Poole, Filkins 7:23

The Difference Machine

Released: 2007

1. “Hope This Finds You” Spawton 3:12
2. “Perfect Cosmic Storm” Spawton 14:40
3. “Breathing Space” Spawton 1:47
4. “Pick Up If You’re There” Spawton, Poole, Filkins 13:39
5. “From the Wide Open Sea” Spawton, Poole 1:20
6. “Hope You Made It (Re-issue Bonus Track)” Spawton 3:46
7. “Salt Water Falling on Uneven Ground” Spawton, Poole, Filkins 12:38
8. “Summer’s Lease” Spawton, Poole 7:34

The Underfall Yard

Released: 2009

1. “Evening Star” 4:53
2. “Master James of St. George” 6:19
3. “Victorian Brickwork” 12:33
4. “Last Train” 6:28
5. “Winchester Diver” 7:31
6. “The Underfall Yard” 22:54

English Electric Part One

Released: 2012

1. “The First Rebreather” Greg Spawton 8:32
2. “Uncle Jack” David Longdon 3:49
3. “Winchester from St. Giles’ Hill” Spawton 7:16
4. “Judas Unrepentant” Longdon 7:18
5. “Summoned By Bells” Spawton 9:17
6. “Upton Heath” Spawton, Longdon 5:39
7. “A Boy in Darkness” Longdon 8:03
8. “Hedgerow” Spawton, Longdon, Andy Poole 8:52

English Electric Part Two

Released: 2013

1. “East Coast Racer” 15:43
2. “Swan Hunter” Spawton, David Longdon 6:20
3. “Worked Out” 7:30
4. “Leopards” Longdon 3:54
5. “Keeper of Abbeys” 6:58
6. “The Permanent Way” 8:29
7. “Curator of Butterflies” 8:44

Folklore

Released: 2016

1. “Folklore” David Longdon 7:33
2. “London Plane” Greg Spawton 10:13
3. “Along the Ridgeway” Spawton 6:12
4. “Salisbury Giant” Spawton 3:37
5. “The Transit of Venus Across the Sun” Spawton 7:20
6. “Wassail” Longdon 6:57
7. “Winkie” Longdon 8:25
8. “Brooklands” Spawton 12:44
9. “Telling the Bees” Longdon 6:02

Grimspound

Released: 2017

1. “Brave Captain
“Captain Albert Ball cradled in the arms of Mademoiselle Lieppe-Coulon, May 7th 1917” (instrumental)
“Memorial to Captain Albert Ball, Nottingham Castle grounds 1973”
“The Great Game”
“Annoeullin (The Present Day)”
David Longdon Longdon 12:37
2. “On the Racing Line” (instrumental) Danny Manners, Greg Spawton 5:12
3. “Experimental Gentlemen
“Reflectors of Light”
“Merchants of Light”
“The Wonder of it All” (instrumental)”
Spawton Spawton 10:01
4. “Meadowland” Spawton Rikard Sjöblom, Longdon 3:37
5. “Grimspound” Longdon Spawton 6:56
6. “The Ivy Gate” Longdon Longdon 7:27
7. “A Mead Hall in Winter” Spawton Sjöblom, Longdon 15:20
8. “As the Crow Flies” Spawton Spawton 6:44

The Second Brightest Star

Released: 2017

1. “The Second Brightest Star” David Longdon Longdon 7:17
2. “Haymaking” (instrumental) Rachel Hall 3:24
3. “Skylon” Longdon, Greg Spawton, Rikard Sjöblom Longdon, Spawton, Sjöblom 6:44
4. “London Stone” (instrumental) Sjöblom, Danny Manners 2:00
5. “The Passing Widow” Hall Hall 5:33
6. “The Leaden Stour” Spawton Spawton 7:19
7. “Terra Australis Incognita” (instrumental) Spawton, Manners 4:19
8. “Brooklands sequence”
“On the Racing Line”
“Brooklands”
Spawton Spawton, Manners 17:33
9. “London Plane sequence”
“Turner on the Thames”
“London Plane”
Spawton Spawton 13:17
10. “The Gentlemen’s Reprise” (instrumental) Spawton 3:02

Grand Tour

Released: 2019

1. “Novum Organum” Greg Spawton Nick D’Virgilio, Spawton 2:25
2. “Alive” David Longdon Longdon 4:34
3. “The Florentine” Longdon Longdon 8:17
4. “Roman Stone”
“Foundation”
“Rise”
“Ne Plus Ultra”
“Fall” (instrumental)
“Legacy”
Spawton Spawton 13:33
5. “Pantheon” (instrumental) D’Virgilio 6:12
6. “Theodora in Green and Gold” Spawton D’Virgilio, Longdon 5:32
7. “Ariel”
“Come Unto These Yellow Sands”
“Noises, Sounds and Sweet Airs”
“New Place”
“O! There Are Spirits of the Air”
“Music, When Soft Voices Die”
“Casa Magni, 1822”
“Approach, My Ariel, Come”
“Coda: The Triumph of Life”
Longdon Longdon 14:28
8. “Voyager”
“On the Ocean”
“The Farthest Shore”
“The Pillars of Hercules”
“Further Beyond” (instrumental)
“Grand Finale” (instrumental)
“The Space Between the Stars”
“Homecoming”
Spawton Spawton 14:20
9. “Homesong” Spawton Spawton 4:50

Common Ground

Released: 2021

1. “The Strangest Times” David Longdon Longdon 5:07
2. “All the Love We Can Give” Nick D’Virgilio D’Virgilio 8:05
3. “Black with Ink” Gregory Spawton Spawton 7:23
4. “Dandelion Clock” Spawton Spawton 4:14
5. “Headwaters” Instrumental Rikard Sjöblom, Spawton 2:26
6. “Apollo” Instrumental D’Virgilio 7:50
7. “Common Ground” Longdon Longdon 4:53
8. “Atlantic Cable
“Worlds Apart” (instrumental)
“Wayfinders”
“Great Eastern
“Lightning Through Deep Waters” (instrumental)
“The Sound of Quiet Voices”
Spawton Spawton 15:06
9. “Endnotes” Spawton Spawton 6:58

Welcome to the Planet

Released: 2022

1. “Made from Sunshine” David Longdon Dave Foster 4:05
2. “The Connection Plan” Nick D’Virgilio Nick D’Virgilio 3:55
3. “Lanterna” Gregory Spawton Gregory Spawton 6:29
4. “Capitoline Venus” Gregory Spawton Gregory Spawton 2:26
5. “A Room with No Ceiling” instrumental Rikard Sjöblom 4:51
6. “Proper Jack Froster” Gregory Spawton Gregory Spawton 6:38
7. “Bats in the Belfry” instrumental Nick D’Virgilio 4:54
8. “Oak and Stone” Gregory Spawton Gregory Spawton, Nick D’Virgilio, Rikard Sjöblom 7:12
9. “Welcome to the Planet” Carly Bryant Carly Bryant 6:40

Ingenious Devices

Released: 2023

1. “East Coast Racer” Gregory Spawton and Danny Manners (Closing Section) English Electric Part Two 15:52
2. “The Book of Ingenious Devices” 1:23
3. “Brooklands” Folklore 12:29
4. “Voyager” Grand Tour 14:10
5. “Atlantic Cable” (live) Common Ground 15:24

The Likes of Us

Released: 2024

1. “Light Left in the Day” Gregory Spawton
Alberto BravinSpawton
6:10
2. “Oblivion” Nick D’Virgilio
D’VirgilioDave Foster
5:27
3. “Beneath the Masts”
“On The Bank”
“Homeground”
“On The Mast”
“The Devil’s Dressing Room”
“On The Hillside”
Spawton
BravinD’VirgilioSpawton
17:26
4. “Skates On” Spawton Spawton 4:28
5. “Miramare”
“Novara”
“Bora Chiara”
“Bora Scura”
BravinSpawton
Bravin 10:17
6. “Love Is the Light”
BravinSpawton
BravinDaniele Dibaggio
6:11
7. “Bookmarks” Spawton
BravinSpawton
6:23
8. “Last Eleven” Spawton Spawton 7:55