| 1 | City Nights | 2:33 |
| 2 | Secrets | 4:21 |
| 3 | 54 Duncan Terrace (Dedicated To Pat Smythe) | 4:33 |
| 4 | Joshua | 5:54 |
| 5 | Spokes | 3:29 |
| 6 | Maid Marion | 7:16 |
| 7 | Peril Premonition | 4:43 |
| 8 | Endomorph (Dedicated To My Parents) | 4:19 |
Allan Holdsworth’s 1989 release, Secrets, stands as a crowning achievement in jazz fusion and a definitive showcase of the artist's "sublime transcendence of form." Released via Intima Records, this sixth studio album represents the culmination of Holdsworth’s legendary legato technique and his groundbreaking mastery of the SynthAxe—a unique instrument he elevated to a world-class standard.
Critics and peers alike hail Secrets as a masterpiece. Noted for its clean production and sophisticated compositions, the album leans toward a "jazzy" edge while maintaining the complex signatures Holdsworth is famous for. A notable highlight is the inclusion of virtuoso drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, whose "wild abandon" and precision provide a powerful backbone to the record’s intricate structures.
Key features of this release:
- Standout Tracks: Featuring vocal performances by Rowanne Mark on "Secrets" and Craig Copeland on "Endomorph," alongside the Chad Wackerman-penned "Peril Premonition."
- Critical Acclaim: Rated 4.5/5 by both Sputnikmusic and AllMusic, and cited by Pestilence’s Patrick Mameli as "the greatest fusion album ever recorded."
- Genre Fusion: A seamless blend of progressive rock and jazz-rock fusion that challenges the boundaries of traditional guitar music.
For collectors of progressive music and jazz aficionados, Secrets remains an essential chapter in the discography of one of guitar's most creative and explorative minds.
