Black Merda cover

Black Merda

Black Merda · 1970

35 min · 11 tracks · psychedelic rock

Psychedelic grooves intertwine with bluesy rock riffs, creating a vibrant tapestry of funk and soul that defines the early '70s sound.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Prophet — Opening with a striking blend of soulful vocals and intricate guitar work, this track sets the tone for the album's exploration of personal and societal themes.
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    Think of Me — This track features a catchy melody combined with introspective lyrics, showcasing the band's ability to merge infectious grooves with thoughtful songwriting.
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    I Don't Want to Die — A poignant reflection on mortality, this song's raw emotional weight is enhanced by its haunting instrumentation, making it a standout moment on the album.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

55 /100
Foothills
Higher than 45% of albums we've rated

The album blends psychedelic rock with funk and soul, showcasing unique grooves and vocal interplay.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a strong groove in 'Prophet', establishing a rhythmic foundation that persists throughout.
  • Tracks often feature extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and exploration of themes.
  • Several songs incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, enhancing the communal feel typical of funk and soul.
  • The final track, 'Set Me Free', concludes with a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of introspection.
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
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Prophet 2:54
  • 2 Think of Me 2:33
  • 3 Cynthy-Ruth 3:05
  • 4 Over and Over 5:31
  • 5 Ashamed 3:52
  • 6 Reality 2:01
  • 7 Windsong 4:14
  • 8 Good Luck 3:46
  • 9 That's the Way It Goes 3:17
  • 10 I Don't Want to Die 3:53
  • 11 Set Me Free 0:31

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata