What makes Atlantis by McCoy Tyner notable?

Atlantis is notable for its ambitious length and structure, particularly the title track which spans nearly 18 minutes, pushing the boundaries of traditional jazz formats. The album received critical acclaim, solidifying Tyner's influence on the progressive jazz movement and showcasing his ability to blend ethno-jazz influences within a post-bop context. Released in 1974, Atlantis marked McCoy Tyner's return to the forefront of jazz after his tenure with the John Coltrane Quartet. This album follows Tyner's previous work, such as 'Expansions', and showcases his evolution as a bandleader, utilizing elements of world music and complex structures that reflect his artistic growth.

Atlantis works well if you're into immersive late-night exploration, patient unfolding with rich textures and sonic paradise for deep listening.

How many songs are on Atlantis?

Atlantis has 6 tracks, running approximately 71 minutes.

Atlantis

McCoy Tyner

71 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A sprawling exploration of sound, where rich harmonies intertwine with intricate rhythms to create a transcendent jazz experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Atlantis — The title track serves as a centerpiece, with its expansive improvisation highlighting Tyner's virtuosic piano skills and innovative harmonic ideas.
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In a Sentimental Mood — This piece features a tender interplay between piano and saxophone, revealing Tyner's lyrical side while maintaining the album's complex texture.
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Makin' Out — A dynamic track that showcases rhythmic complexity and ensemble interaction, displaying Tyner's ability to fuse energetic improvisation with melodic themes.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

70 /100

Alpine

Higher than 94% of albums we've rated

Tyner's 'Atlantis' blends intricate compositions with strong performances, making it a notable entry in jazz history.

What we noticed

The title track 'Atlantis' features a continuous flow of themes and motifs, evolving over its nearly 18-minute duration without clear breaks.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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 late-night exploration
patient unfolding with rich textures
sonic paradise for deep listening
gradual build to emotional climax

Maybe skip if you

prefer upbeat, instant gratification
dislike lengthy, complex compositions

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1974, Atlantis marked McCoy Tyner's return to the forefront of jazz after his tenure with the John Coltrane Quartet. This album follows Tyner's previous work, such as 'Expansions', and showcases his evolution as a bandleader, utilizing elements of world music and complex structures that reflect his artistic growth.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Keith Jarrett

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Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Atlantis 17:59
2 In a Sentimental Mood 5:39
3 Makin' Out 13:04
4 My One and Only Love 9:59
5 Pursuit 9:20
6 Love Samba 15:56

What to play next

Listen next

Passion Dance

Go back to

Things Ain't What They Used to Be

Full McCoy Tyner discography Where to start with McCoy Tyner Artists like McCoy Tyner

ethno jazz post-bop progressive jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata