What makes Cycles by Redbone notable?

Cycles is notable for its fusion of rock and Native American musical influences, contributing to a broader recognition of Indigenous culture in popular music. The lead single 'Come and Get Your Love' reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, further cementing Redbone's legacy during an era of increasing cultural awareness. Released in 1977, Cycles marked Redbone's fourth studio album and came after their hit 'Come and Get Your Love,' which had solidified their place in rock history. At this point, the band was navigating their identity post-mainstream success, experimenting with various sounds while remaining true to their roots as Native American musicians.

Cycles works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove exploration, infectious rhythms for dancing and reflective moments with warmth.

How many songs are on Cycles?

Cycles has 9 tracks, running approximately 40 minutes.

Cycles

Redbone · 1977

40 min · 9 tracks · rock music

Rich harmonies blend with funk-infused rock grooves, creating a vibrant tapestry of sound that resonates with the spirit of the late '70s.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Cycles — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of renewal and change, featuring lush instrumentation that showcases the band's signature harmonies.
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Open (Give It Back to Me) — This track stands out with its infectious chorus and rhythmic groove, highlighting the band's ability to meld catchy melodies with deeper emotional undertones.
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Gamble (Take a Chance on Me) — The energetic vibe and playful lyrics make this song a highlight, reflecting the band's engaging performance style and blending genres effortlessly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

52 /100

Foothills

Higher than 38% of albums we've rated

Cycles blends rock with funk and Native American influences, showcasing distinct vocal harmonies and rhythmic variety.

What we noticed

The opening track features layered vocal harmonies that create a rich texture, setting the tone for the album.
Several tracks incorporate funk rhythms with prominent bass lines, particularly in 'Dancing Bones' and 'Funky Silk'.
The album includes shifts in tempo and mood, with slower ballads like 'Give Our Love Another Try' contrasting against more upbeat tracks.

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: 7/10
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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

steady mid-tempo groove exploration
infectious rhythms for dancing
reflective moments with warmth
group sing-alongs around friends

Maybe skip if you

prefer fast-paced listening experiences
seek standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in 1977, Cycles marked Redbone's fourth studio album and came after their hit 'Come and Get Your Love,' which had solidified their place in rock history. At this point, the band was navigating their identity post-mainstream success, experimenting with various sounds while remaining true to their roots as Native American musicians.
Stylistic neighbors: Sly and the Family Stone· War· The Meters