Best of Traffic cover

Best of Traffic

Traffic

42 min · 11 tracks · jazz fusion

A vibrant blend of psychedelic rock and jazz fusion, weaving intricate melodies with poetic lyricism.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Paper Sun — This track exemplifies Traffic's early sound, combining distinctive flute melodies with rich harmonies and reflective lyrics that capture the essence of the era.
  • →
    Dear Mr. Fantasy — A centerpiece of the album, this song features lush instrumentation and a compelling narrative, showcasing the band’s lyrical depth and musical sophistication.
  • →
    Feelin' Alright — This upbeat anthem stands out with its infectious groove and has been covered by numerous artists, highlighting its lasting impact on rock music.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
57 /100
Foothills
Higher than 6% of albums we've rated

The compilation showcases Traffic's genre-blending style but lacks the cohesive narrative of a studio album.

What we noticed

  • Tracks like 'Dear Mr. Fantasy' and 'Feelin' Alright' include prominent use of improvisation, allowing for dynamic shifts in melody and rhythm.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
4/10

running order, pacing, length

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

  • short bursts of whimsical energy
  • imaginative soundscapes for daydreaming
  • playful melodies with poetic flair
  • vibrant tunes for social gatherings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • want heavy, driving rhythms

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Starting Point — A concise overview of Traffic's sound that introduces newcomers to key material from their peak period.
Career context
Released in 1971, 'Best of Traffic' came as a compilation during Traffic's peak popularity following their acclaimed albums like 'John Barleycorn Must Die'. This collection showcases the band's evolution from their early experimental sounds to more polished, radio-friendly tracks, solidifying their presence in the progressive rock movement.
Stylistic neighbors
Steely Dan· King Crimson· Weather Report

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Paper Sun 4:18
  • 2 Heaven Is in Your Mind 4:20
  • 3 No Face, No Name, No Number 3:33
  • 4 Coloured Rain 2:45
  • 5 Smiling Phases 2:42
  • 6 Hole in My Shoe 3:06
  • 7 Medicated Goo 3:39
  • 8 Forty Thousand Headmen 3:17
  • 9 Feelin' Alright 4:21
  • 10 Shanghai Noodle Factory 5:09
  • 11 Dear Mr. Fantasy 5:40

What to play next

Mr. Fantasy
Listen next

Mr. Fantasy

1967

Explore the band's psychedelic roots in a focused album before following their sound toward jazzier, more expansive r...
Full Traffic discography Artists like Traffic Which Traffic albums to start with
jazz fusion progressive rock psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata