Child Is Father to the Man
Blood, Sweat & Tears · 1968
76 min · 18 tracks · jazz
An ambitious blend of rock, jazz, and blues, this album captures the spirit of late '60s experimentation and emotional depth.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know Start here — This track stands out for its hauntingly soulful arrangement and deeply emotional lyrics, showcasing Al Kooper's powerful vocals and masterful songwriting.
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My Days Are Numbered — The song features an engaging combination of jazz instrumentation and rock sensibilities, highlighting the band's ability to merge genres effectively.
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So Much Love / Underture — This track exemplifies the album's adventurous spirit through its complex structure and dynamic shifts, blending lyrical storytelling with instrumental exploration.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong compositions and arrangements, blending genres effectively while maintaining a distinct sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with an orchestral overture that sets a theatrical tone, followed by tracks that blend jazz instrumentation with rock rhythms.
- Several tracks feature complex arrangements, including brass and woodwinds, which are prominent in the mix alongside traditional rock instruments.
- The lyrics often explore introspective themes, with vocal harmonies layered over intricate melodies, particularly in songs like 'I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know'.
- The final track is a reprise of the overture, creating a cyclical structure that ties the album together.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
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
- dynamic exploration with resolution
- wave-like pacing with contrasts
- emotional depth in arrangements
- introspective moments for reflection
- immersive two-part listening experience
Maybe skip if you
- instant gratification seekers
- fans of straightforward tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This debut album established the band's reputation and showcased their innovative sound.
- Themes
- late '60s experimentation· jazz-rock fusion· emotional depth
- Career context
- Released on February 21, 1968, 'Child Is Father to the Man' was Blood, Sweat & Tears' debut album. At this point, the band was still defining their identity after forming in 1967, with a lineup that included notable musicians like Al Kooper. This album set the stage for their future success and helped to establish a unique fusion of rock and jazz influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chicago· The Electric Flag· Steely Dan
Tracklist
- 1 Overture 1:32
- 2 I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know Start here 5:57
- 3 Morning Glory 4:15
- 4 My Days Are Numbered 3:19
- 5 Without Her 2:41
- 6 Just One Smile 4:38
- 7 I Can’t Quit Her 3:38
- 8 Meagan’s Gypsy Eyes 3:24
- 9 Somethin’ Goin’ On 8:00
- 10 House in the Country 3:04
- 11 The Modern Adventures of Plato, Diogenes and Freud 4:12
- 12 So Much Love / Underture 4:46
- 13 I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know (demo) 6:10
- 14 Refugee From Yuhupitz (demo) 3:45
- 15 I Can’t Quit Her (demo) 3:02
- 16 Morning Glory (demo) 4:13
- 17 Somethin’ Goin’ On (demo) 5:19
- 18 The Modern Adventures of Plato, Diogenes, and Freud (demo) 5:02
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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