Escape from Television cover

Escape from Television

Jan Hammer · 1987

55 min · 15 tracks · jazz

A smooth blend of synth-driven melodies and jazzy undertones, evoking the sun-soaked atmosphere of Miami's nightlife.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Crockett's Theme — This track encapsulates the essence of 'Miami Vice', combining lush synths with an emotional melody that resonates deeply with viewers and listeners alike.
  • →
    Miami Vice Theme — As the iconic opening theme for 'Miami Vice', this composition effectively set the tone for the series, showcasing Hammer's signature style that fused jazz and electronic elements.
  • →
    Forever Tonight — This romantic ballad features rich harmonies and a captivating arrangement, highlighting Hammer's ability to blend emotional depth with an infectious groove.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
50 /100
Foothills
Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

The album blends synth melodies with jazz influences, creating a distinct yet cohesive sound reflective of its era.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with 'Crockett's Theme', establishing a smooth, synth-driven sound that persists throughout the record.
  • Tracks like 'Theresa' and 'Columbia' feature layered synths and jazzy undertones, creating a cohesive atmosphere.
  • Several tracks, including 'Miami Vice Theme', incorporate rhythmic elements that evoke a sense of movement and nightlife.
Composition 25% of the score
6/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
5/10

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 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, consistent melodic journeys
  • immersive listening experiences
  • reflective late-night vibes
  • dynamic emotional landscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 1987, 'Escape from Television' marked Jan Hammer's transition from a celebrated collaborator with Mahavishnu Orchestra to a solo artist, following his significant success scoring 'Miami Vice'. This album capitalized on the popularity of the show's soundtrack, cementing Hammer's status as a key figure in the fusion of pop and electronic music during the 1980s.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Herbie Hancock· Vangelis
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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Forever Tonight

    The bridge features a poignant shift where melodic lines intertwine seamlessly, creating a moment of heightened emotional intensity.

    This structural choice amplifies the romantic tension within the song, marking it as a crucial turning point that enhances its overall narrative.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Crockett's Theme 3:32
  • 2 Theresa 3:07
  • 3 Columbia 2:39
  • 4 Rum Cay 3:05
  • 5 The Trial and the Search 4:54
  • 6 Tubbs and Valerie 3:33
  • 7 Forever Tonight 4:01
  • 8 Last Flight 3:31
  • 9 Rico's Blues 2:54
  • 10 Before the Storm 4:32
  • 11 Night Talk 2:45
  • 12 Miami Vice Theme 2:29
  • 13 Forever Tonight (extended CD mix) 6:08
  • 14 Chancer 3:20
  • 15 Crockett's Theme (9mm mix) 4:32

What to play next

Snapshots
Listen next

Snapshots

1989
City Slicker
Go back to

City Slicker

1985
Full Jan Hammer discography Where to start with Jan Hammer Artists like Jan Hammer
jazz fusion pop rock synth-pop

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata