Roy Harper was already coming off two stellar efforts in Lifemask (1973) and Valentine (1974), which marked yet another artistic peak and his introduction to American audiences. Previous settings of acoustic guitar and orchestration were supplanted by Harper's formation of Trigger, a relatively straightforward hard rock trio anchored by ace guitarist Chris Spedding and former King Crimson/Yes drummer Bill Bruford. (The unit disbanded after this album, however.) Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour and Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones are among the other all-star contributors on this album, which gets off to a rousing start with "The Game"'s multi-part critique of modern society and features some hard-hitting guitar passages. "The Spirit Lives" upholds yet another long-running Harper theme of critiquing Christianity and its premises. "Hallucination Light" and "Forget Me Not" maintain the brooding romanticism associated with Harper's earlier work, but it's the last track that should stick longest with listeners. Harper's understated, elegaic ode to life's departures gains power from a blend of string and brass band lines; it remains one of his finest, most enduring compositions. Commercially, Harper's profile remains that of a cult artist, but he surely deserves wider recognition on his own merit. If you only know Harper as an associate of the '70s English rock aristocracy or the shadowy subject of Led Zeppelin's "Hats off to Harper," make this album one of your first starting points. ~ Ralph Heibutzki, All Music Guide
The albums artwork was created by Hipgnosis. Of the artwork Harper stated:
“
In reply to walking on water I should just like to say that the album sleeve design for HQ was given completely to Hipgnosis. When they presented me with the finished product I laughed and ok'd it on the spot. The picture was taken by Po Powell on the Isle of Skye. I have still not been to the Isle of Skye. Roy Harper (Stormcock e-mail list, 1997) [2]
”
Awards
In 1975, HQ was awarded Record Of The Year in Portugal, and received a similar award in Finland.
Flashes from the Archives of Oblivion·Live at the Red Lion, Birmingham·In Between Every Line·Born in Captivity II·Unhinged·Live At Les Cousins·The BBC Tapes - Volume I (1969 - 1973)·The BBC Tapes - Volume II (In Concert 1974)·The BBC Tapes - Volume III (BBC Sessions 1974)·The BBC Tapes - Volume IV (In Concert 1975)·The BBC Tapes - Volume V (BBC Sessions 1975 - 1978)·The BBC Tapes - Volume VI (In Concert 1978 with Andy Roberts)·Royal Festival Hall Live - June 10th 2001
