What makes Encounters of Every Kind by Meco notable?

Encounters of Every Kind gained significant attention by reaching number 35 on the Billboard 200 chart, demonstrating Meco's successful adaptation of cinematic music for mainstream audiences. The album has been credited with pioneering the trend of disco-fying movie soundtracks, influencing subsequent artists in the genre and establishing Meco as a prominent figure in the disco movement. Released in 1977, Encounters of Every Kind is Meco's debut studio album, following the success of his chart-topping single, 'Star Wars Theme/Cantina Band'. This album marked Meco's transition into a full-length artist, showcasing his unique ability to transform popular film scores into danceable tracks, setting the stage for his future works.

How many songs are on Encounters of Every Kind?

Encounters of Every Kind has 11 tracks, running approximately 31 minutes.

Encounters of Every Kind

Meco · 1977

31 min · 11 tracks

A playful blend of sci-fi themes and disco grooves, merging orchestral arrangements with infectious dance rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Theme From Close Encounters (Inspired by the Soundtrack of Close Encounters of the Third Kind) — This track encapsulates Meco's signature style, transforming John Williams' iconic score into an upbeat disco rendition that invites listeners to dance while evoking cinematic imagery.
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Hot in the Saddle — With its catchy chorus and lively instrumentation, this track exemplifies Meco's knack for blending narrative elements with danceable beats, making it a standout party anthem.
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In the Beginning — This opening track sets an adventurous tone for the album with its engaging orchestration and hints at Meco's thematic exploration of time and space throughout the record.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

Meco's debut album combines orchestral and disco elements, creating a distinctive sound but lacks depth for lasting appeal.

What we noticed

The album opens with a strong orchestral piece that transitions into disco rhythms, setting a playful tone.
Several tracks feature repeated motifs and themes, such as 'Time Machine' appearing twice in different arrangements.
The instrumentation blends synthesizers with traditional orchestral elements, creating a unique sound for the disco genre.

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

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 Time Machine 0:43
2 In the Beginning 3:27
3 Roman Nights 1:26
4 Lady Marion 2:52
5 Icebound 1:20
6 Hot in the Saddle 4:27
7 Time Machine 0:15
8 Crazy Rhythm 3:49
9 Topsy 3:33
10 Meco's Theme / 3 W. 57 5:32
11 Theme From Close Encounters (Inspired by the Soundtrack of Close Encounters of the Third Kind) 4:21

What to play next

Listen next

Meco Plays The Wizard of Oz

1978

Go back to

Star Wars and Other Galactic Funk

1977

Full Meco discography Artists like Meco

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata