Is Big Fun a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, Big Fun is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A sprawling fusion of jazz and avant-garde, blending complex rhythms with exploratory improvisation and rich textures. Released on April 19, 1974, Big Fun came during Miles Davis's experimental phase, following the groundbreaking Bitches Brew in 1970. This album further cemented his influence on jazz fusion as he embraced electric instruments and unconventional song structures, diverging from traditional jazz forms.

Big Fun works well if you're into sprawling explorations of sound, gradual build to climax and immersive late-night sessions.

How many songs are on Big Fun?

Big Fun has 8 tracks, running approximately 142 minutes.

Big Fun

Miles Davis · 1974

142 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A sprawling fusion of jazz and avant-garde, blending complex rhythms with exploratory improvisation and rich textures.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Great Expectations Start here — This expansive track serves as a showcase for Davis's elaborate improvisational style, intertwining melodic exploration with intricate rhythmic patterns.
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Go Ahead John — As one of the longest tracks on the album, it exemplifies the collective improvisation that defines this era of Davis's music, creating an immersive listening experience.
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Lonely Fire — The haunting melody and atmospheric instrumentation in this track highlight Davis's ability to evoke deep emotion through sound, marking a significant moment in his discography.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate improvisation and electric textures create a distinctive fusion sound that rewards repeated listening.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks, with several exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep improvisational exploration.
The sequencing includes abrupt shifts in mood and tempo, particularly between the more energetic pieces and the introspective ones.

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

Influence 6/10

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

sprawling explorations of sound
gradual build to climax
immersive late-night sessions
intricate improvisation and detail
patient listening for rewards

Maybe skip if you

prefer quick, catchy tracks
seek immediate gratification

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — The album represents a departure into jazz fusion with electric textures and rhythms.
Themes: electric improvisation· avant-garde jazz exploration· experimental rhythms
Moods: Dreamy· Intense
Career context: Released on April 19, 1974, Big Fun came during Miles Davis's experimental phase, following the groundbreaking Bitches Brew in 1970. This album further cemented his influence on jazz fusion as he embraced electric instruments and unconventional song structures, diverging from traditional jazz forms.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter