All Night Wrong
Allan Holdsworth · 2003
55 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A complex fusion of intricate melodies and improvisational brilliance, showcasing masterful guitar work against a backdrop of jazz and progressive rock.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lanyard Loop — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its intricate guitar lines and complex rhythms, immediately highlighting Holdsworth's unique style. The interplay between melody and harmony showcases his ability to blend technical skill with emotive expression.
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Water on the Brain, Part 2 — Serving as a sequel to an earlier piece, this track revisits thematic material while expanding on it with richer textures and layers, exemplifying Holdsworth's growth as a composer. Its reflective nature provides insight into his artistic evolution over the years.
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Gas Lamp Blues — This track stands out for its shift into a blues-inflected territory, demonstrating Holdsworth's versatility while maintaining his signature sound. It combines traditional blues elements with progressive structures, illustrating his innovative approach to genre blending.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album highlights intricate compositions and exceptional musicianship, making it a standout in jazz fusion.
What we noticed
- The album features extended instrumental sections where the guitar takes the lead, often accompanied by complex rhythmic patterns from the bass and drums.
- Each track showcases a different harmonic exploration, with abrupt shifts in key and tempo that challenge conventional jazz structures.
- Several tracks incorporate layered guitar harmonies, creating a rich texture that complements the improvisational solos.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
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
- steady progression with peaks
- intricate melodies for deep focus
- immersive experience through complexity
- for late-night listening
Maybe skip if you
- prefers quick, catchy songs
- seeks instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2003, All Night Wrong was Allan Holdsworth's final studio album before his passing in 2017, marking a reflective point in his illustrious career. At this stage, he had already established himself as a pivotal figure in jazz fusion and progressive rock, with an extensive discography that showcased his innovative guitar techniques. This album encapsulates his distinctive sound while also revisiting some earlier themes, particularly through the track 'Water on the Brain, Part 2'.
- Stylistic neighbors
- John McLaughlin· Pat Metheny· Frank Gambale
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lanyard Loop 5:46
- 2 The Things You See 6:53
- 3 Alphrazallan 7:04
- 4 Funnels 5:01
- 5 Zone 9:19
- 6 Water on the Brain, Part 2 5:30
- 7 Above & Below 8:21
- 8 Gas Lamp Blues 7:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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