Sometimes you hear a new album and immediately think, "Yes, this is really amazing, skillfully done, and it touches me right from the very first musical notes." The debut album Through The Eyes Of A Child, released by Paolo Pagliari, is such an album. An album that continues to captivate from beginning to end. That is why my priority was to write a review myself of an album that clearly belongs among the musical highlights of 2026. A musical product that deserves high praise. Not knowing for sure whether fellow writers feel the same way about this album and will also express their high appreciation, here are my findings regarding this beautiful album. Perhaps it is good to first say something about the musician himself before we dig deeper into what we can hear on this amazing album. Paolo Pagliari is an Italian progressive rock musician and multi-instrumentalist based in France. He is active since his teenage years and developed his style through various bands including The Old Castle. In 1997, he opened for Emerson, Lake & Palmer. So not a bad start, that much is clear. His first album Through The Eyes Of A Child was entirely self-produced and developed over several years. The album is rooted in the classic traditions of symphonic progressive rock but that's not so so strange if you know that acts such as Pink Floyd, Camel and Steve Hackett inspired him. As with many albums in the progressive rock genre, this album is of course also a concept album. The album explores the world through the perspective of childhood - a journey from innocence to awareness - capturing emotions, memories and inner reflections with a delicate and introspective approach. On this beautiful concept album, he does almost everything himself, which is of course very impressive. He only had the drum parts handled by a truly amazing drummer who goes by the name Alberto Quacquarini. Additionally, a number of backing vocalists can be heard on various tracks. Also, a children's choir was used. But otherwise, he does everything himself. So, all the guitar, keyboards, bass, and other musical parts are played by him personally. Moreover, he handles the lead vocals quite creditably. Very impressive, of course! Not to forget that he composed, arranged and produced everything himself as well! Let's now delve a bit deeper into the album and tell you what to expect musically by going through the songs one by one. So Begins... - The album opens with is a short mellow instrumental in which you hear different voices including those of children which are playing. The guitar playing shows for the first time his love for Pink Floyd and David Gilmour. Listen also to the great (fretless) bass parts. Stars In Your Eyes - Again the influences of Pink Floyd come to the surface on this piece of music. For the first time Pagliari shows here that he is a gifted vocalist as well. The song itself is a mix of quiet and somewhat more up-tempo sections, in which the lead guitar parts in particular are a real treat. Father's Words - Once again a beautiful track featuring beautiful flute contributions alongside sensitive acoustic guitar parts. Here we hear the influences of Marillion in the music for the first time. The bass and bass pedals parts, but especially Steve Rothery, can be heard in the beautiful guitar parts. Think of Easter and several songs from the Season's End album. Watching Through The Window On A Melancholic Rainy Day - Once again, a short instrumental track in which the acoustic guitar sets the melody. Accompanied by atmospheric keyboard contributions. A beautiful, relaxing moment that makes you dream away. Reminding me of Steve Hackett's more acoustic guitar albums! Hold On! - A catchy sing-along at first listen. But of course, there is much more to experience musically. A great organ organ and guitar solo makes sure the progressive rock sound is still present Lune De Mer - Once again, a beautiful, short, quiet instrumental track. It is a bit like the style of Camel during the time of The Snow Goose. As the title indicates, it is about the sea, and therefore it is nice to be able to hear this as well. Finally, you hear his son ask his father a question. In The Shelter Of Your Eyes - Pink Floyd returns on this piece with excellent Gilmour kind of guitar parts. Additionally, the influence of Andy Latimer and Camel surfaces a bit for the first time in the guitar parts. It is merely a foretaste because... Camel Escape - ... on the next track, Camel comes fully to the fore. Just listen to the keyboard playing and guitar parts and you will hear the aforementioned Latimer (rhythm and lead guitar) but also Peter Bardens (organ and synth solo). But what do you expect with a song title like this? Memory Box - It begins once again with a nice, quiet piece of music before the tempo is ramped up. Beautiful keyboard and guitar parts provide an abundance of wonderful musical passages. Enjoy beautiful keyboard and guitar solos that sometimes remind one of Antony Kalugin from Karfagen. The ending is once again beautiful, with calmly executed musical passages. Light In The Night - A worthy conclusion with music that sometimes brings to mind Camel and Pink Floyd, mostly due to the beautiful guitar work. Hopefully, you have gained an idea of what to expect musically on this album. As far as I am concerned, it is anything but insignificant, and Paolo has surpassed himself musically with this beautiful debut. A debut he can be very proud of, because there are only a few who achieve this on their debut. Therefore, I can only recommend that everyone listen to this beautiful album. Especially if you are a fan of Pink Floyd, Camel, Marillion and Steve Hackett, it is hard not to give in. Lovers of these acts will certainly cherish the album and tell you that it belongs among the top albums of 2026. So, what should you do? ****+ Henri Strik (edited by Dave Smith) Where to buy? |
