Electric Outlet cover

Electric Outlet

John Scofield · 1984

41 min · 8 tracks · jazz

Electric Outlet blends intricate jazz fusion with vibrant melodies and rhythmic complexity, showcasing Scofield's innovative guitar work.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Just My Luck Start here — Opening the album with an infectious groove, this track exemplifies Scofield's ability to blend intricate guitar lines with engaging rhythms.
  • →
    Filibuster — This track stands out due to its complex time signatures and improvisational flair, highlighting Scofield's innovative approach to composition.
  • →
    Thanks Again — A more contemplative piece, it showcases melodic depth and emotional resonance that contrasts with the album's energetic tracks.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
60 /100
Treeline
Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and skilled musicianship, characteristic of jazz fusion in the 1980s.

What we noticed

  • Scofield's guitar solos often intertwine with the bass and keyboard lines, creating a dense texture that shifts throughout each track.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

running order, pacing, length

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
  • intricate riffs for detail seekers
  • engaging background for conversation
  • vibrant energy for social settings

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer quick, instantaneous tracks
  • demand constant high-energy intensity

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Breakthrough — Helped define jazz fusion in the 1980s, enhancing Scofield's recognition.
Career context
By 1984, John Scofield had already established himself as a prominent figure in jazz fusion, following his critically acclaimed album 'Still Warm' from 1986. 'Electric Outlet' was released during a period of artistic exploration for Scofield, marking a significant step towards his distinctive sound that would influence the genre for years to come.
Stylistic neighbors
Pat Metheny· Mike Stern· Bill Frisell

Tracklist

  • 1 Just My Luck Start here 5:24
  • 2 Big Break 5:18
  • 3 Best Western 5:44
  • 4 Pick Hits 6:07
  • 5 Filibuster 5:56
  • 6 Thanks Again 4:52
  • 7 King for a Day 2:32
  • 8 Phone Home 5:15

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata