A Tab in the Ocean
Nektar · 1972
69 min · 8 tracks · progressive rock
Ethereal soundscapes intertwine with dynamic instrumentation, creating an immersive journey through progressive rock's early explorations.
Top tracks — play these first
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A Tab in the Ocean — The title track spans over 16 minutes and exemplifies Nektar's blend of intricate melodies and extended instrumental passages, reflecting the essence of progressive rock.
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King of Twilight — This track combines lush harmonies with a captivating rhythm, illustrating Nektar’s ability to balance lyrical depth with musical complexity.
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Desolation Valley/Waves — As a multi-part suite, this song encapsulates the band's storytelling prowess and musical exploration, making it a hallmark of their progressive style.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious structures and thematic continuity, characteristic of early progressive rock.
What we noticed
- The title track spans over 10 minutes, featuring multiple sections that shift from serene melodies to intense instrumental passages.
- Several tracks feature recurring motifs and themes, creating a sense of continuity across the album despite varied tempos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- immersive soundscapes for deep listening
- patient exploration of musical themes
- cathartic crescendos with dynamic shifts
- evening relaxation with atmospheric depth
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on November 1, 1972, 'A Tab in the Ocean' was Nektar's second studio album, following their debut 'Journey to the Centre of the Eye'. By this time, they were beginning to carve out a distinct identity within the burgeoning progressive rock scene, expanding their sound and gaining recognition.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Camel· Gentle Giant· Yes
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 A Tab in the Ocean 16:53
- 2 Desolation Valley/Waves 8:13
- 3 Crying in the Dark 6:29
- 4 King of Twilight 4:22
- 5 A Tab in the Ocean 16:04
- 6 Desolation Valley/Waves 8:33
- 7 Crying in the Dark 5:14
- 8 King of Twilight 4:05
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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