What does Crosswinds sound like?

A vibrant fusion of jazz rhythms and funk grooves, blending intricate musicianship with soulful melodies. Rooted in funk and post-bop. Start with "Spanish Moss - "A Sound Portrait": Spanish Moss".

Is Crosswinds a good place to start with Billy Cobham?

Yes, Crosswinds is recommended as a starting point for new Billy Cobham listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz rhythms and funk grooves, blending intricate musicianship with soulful melodies. Released in 1974, Crosswinds is Billy Cobham's second studio album following his groundbreaking debut, Spectrum. At this point in his career, Cobham was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the jazz fusion genre, building on the success of Spectrum which had showcased his virtuosic drumming and compositional skills.

Who is Crosswinds for?

Crosswinds works well if you're into steady flow with rhythmic peaks, vibrant soundscapes for focus and immersive listening in order.

How many songs are on Crosswinds?

Crosswinds has 7 tracks, running approximately 35 minutes.

Crosswinds

Billy Cobham · 1974

35 min · 7 tracks · funk

A vibrant fusion of jazz rhythms and funk grooves, blending intricate musicianship with soulful melodies.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Spanish Moss - "A Sound Portrait": Spanish Moss Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Spanish Moss - "A Sound Portrait": Savannah the Serene — This track exemplifies Cobham's ability to blend serene melodic lines with dynamic rhythmic shifts, creating an immersive soundscape that reflects the album’s thematic exploration of nature.
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The Pleasant Pheasant — An intricate composition showcasing Cobham's drumming prowess and rich harmonic textures, this track captures the essence of jazz fusion at its most exploratory.
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Heather — With its extended length and complex structure, this piece highlights Cobham's skill in crafting atmospheric music while allowing improvisational freedom for his bandmates.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

Crosswinds showcases intricate musicianship and cohesive arrangements that define its jazz fusion sound.

What we noticed

The album features extended instrumental sections, with several tracks exceeding six minutes, allowing for intricate solos and improvisation.

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

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

steady flow with rhythmic peaks
vibrant soundscapes for focus
immersive listening in order
reflective moments of serenity

Maybe skip if you

prefer instant gratification tracks
seek standalone hit singles

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Solidified Cobham's reputation as a leading innovator in jazz fusion after his debut.
Career context: Released in 1974, Crosswinds is Billy Cobham's second studio album following his groundbreaking debut, Spectrum. At this point in his career, Cobham was establishing himself as a prominent figure in the jazz fusion genre, building on the success of Spectrum which had showcased his virtuosic drumming and compositional skills.
Stylistic neighbors: Mahavishnu Orchestra· Chick Corea· Weather Report