Released in May, 1978 – between Pink Floyd’s Animals (Jan ’77) and The Wall (Nov ’79) – David Gilmour used this album as the personal expression he wasn’t necessarily getting in Pink Floyd. By this time, the group was beginning to fracture.
I’m sure many people have their own definitions for “zoning out”. For me, it’s about achieving and sustaining a mood or pace, then immersing yourself in that over an extended period of time. Gilmour’s first solo album does that for me. Of course, there is a lush guitar landscape, creating a feeling similar to Comfortably Numb. The songs will speed you up, and slow you down, but the album stays in its zone. This is definitely a “start to finish with headphones” play for me.
It’s not really breaking new ground, but it’s a pleasant & enjoyable listen. I like it, and that’s what music should be all about – what you like listening to.