Steve Hackett, To Watch the Storms

Back in July, I placed Dream Theater’s Train of Thought in the spotlight. One reason: Its prominent eyeball, front and center.

Perhaps I have an eye fetish. Or maybe I’m just seeking to restore some balance to the world’s ophthalmologic karma. Either way, my quirks lead me to present this post’s cover from ex-Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett’s 2003 album To Watch the Storms—a modern prog rock classic that gives us a different take on sight.

Like most of Hackett’s solo efforts since his debut album in 1975, the cover art here was created by his then-wife Kim Poor, to whom he had been married more than 30 years until their recent divorce. It’s a haunting image, reflecting the album’s evocative music and hearkening back to some of Poor’s art for his earlier albums.

Oh yes, the face also provides a handy home for Dream Theater’s stray eyeball. How convenient.