Crying to the Sky
Be-Bop Deluxe, 1976, from Sunburst Finish. Solo by Bill Nelson.
Bill Nelson's long, singing solo closes Sunburst Finish with a lyricism rarely heard in glam.
Crying to the Sky closes Be-Bop Deluxe's Sunburst Finish with a long, singing solo from Bill Nelson, and it is the album's emotional release. His tone is warm and expressive, and his phrasing is lyrical, built from sustained notes and carefully placed bends rather than bursts of speed. The solo unfolds like an extended melody, rising slowly and taking its time, so the song feels as if it is lifting away rather than ending. It showed that glam and art rock could carry real tenderness, and it remains a favourite among fans of Nelson's playing. Listen for how he lets notes linger and shapes each one with gentle vibrato, giving the solo a sense of longing.
Crying to the Sky by Be-Bop Deluxe is ranked #296 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Bill Nelson and the song was released in 1976. It appears on 1 lists, placing as high as #67 (Classic Rock (Louder)).
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Who played the guitar solo on Crying to the Sky?
Bill Nelson played the solo on Be-Bop Deluxe's Crying to the Sky (1976).
Where does Crying to the Sky rank among the greatest guitar solos?
#296 in the GreatestSolos consensus of 79 published lists; it appears on 1 of them.