What makes Coming of Age by Five Man Electrical Band notable?

The album features the hit single 'Absolutely Right,' which reached number 3 on the Canadian charts, highlighting the band's growing popularity. Its exploration of themes related to youth and identity resonated with listeners during a time of cultural change, solidifying its place in the early 70s rock scene. When 'Coming of Age' was released in January 1971, Five Man Electrical Band was transitioning from their earlier pop-oriented sound to a more experimental approach. This album followed their commercial success with 'Signs,' marking a pivotal moment in their artistic evolution as they embraced longer compositions and deeper themes.

How many songs are on Coming of Age?

Coming of Age has 9 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Coming of Age

Five Man Electrical Band · 1971

42 min · 9 tracks · psychedelic rock

A vibrant blend of psychedelic rock and thoughtful lyrics that captures the essence of youthful exploration and societal reflection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Absolutely Right — This track stands out for its catchy melody and introspective lyrics, addressing themes of connection and affirmation that became central to the band's identity.
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Coming of Age — The title track encapsulates the album's overarching theme, featuring prolonged instrumental sections that reflect a sense of journey and discovery.
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Country Girl (Medley) — This ambitious medley showcases the band's versatility and ability to blend different musical styles while telling a narrative about rural life.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album showcases thoughtful lyrics and varied arrangements but lacks strong cohesion in its pacing.

What we noticed

The first three tracks maintain a consistent mid-tempo pace, while the fourth track introduces a medley that shifts the energy significantly.
Several songs feature layered harmonies and intertwining guitar lines, creating a rich texture that enhances the lyrical themes.
The album closes with a reprise of 'Whole Lotta Heavy', which revisits motifs from earlier tracks, providing a sense of circularity.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 Coming of Age 8:29
2 Find the One 3:48
3 Absolutely Right 2:14
4 Country Girl (Medley) 10:34
5 Julianna 3:55
6 Friends and Family 4:55
7 Isn't It a Long Hard Road 3:01
8 Me & Harley Davidson 3:20
9 Whole Lotta Heavy (reprise) 2:26

What to play next

Listen next

Sweet Paradise

1973

Go back to

Good-byes and Butterflies

1970

Full Five Man Electrical Band discography Artists like Five Man Electrical Band

psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata