What makes Fifth by Soft Machine notable?

The album is significant for its experimental approach within the Canterbury scene, contributing to the progressive rock movement. Critical reception highlighted it as a bold work, continuing to influence subsequent artists in the genre, particularly with its integration of complex time signatures and improvisation. Fifth marks Soft Machine's fifth studio album and showcases a transitional phase following their previous release, Third. By 1972, the band was deep into their exploration of progressive jazz rock, having shifted from their early psychedelic roots, reflecting both artistic evolution and lineup changes that influenced their sound.

Fifth works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Fifth?

Fifth has 7 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Fifth

Soft Machine · 1972

36 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock

A labyrinthine blend of jazz, rock, and psychedelia that unfurls with intricate musicianship and adventurous improvisation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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All White — This track opens the album with an expansive soundscape that sets the tone for the intricate compositions to follow. Its rich textures showcase the band's jazz influences while establishing their signature style.
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As If — Clocking in at over eight minutes, this track exemplifies Soft Machine's ability to blend structured melodies with free-form improvisation. The dynamic shifts throughout reflect the band's innovative spirit.
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Pigling Bland — This piece stands out for its playful yet complex arrangement, showcasing the band's whimsical side while maintaining a sophisticated musical dialogue. It's a perfect example of their unique fusion of genres.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

76 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

Fifth showcases intricate compositions and seamless transitions, marking a distinctive phase in progressive rock.

What we noticed

Each track transitions smoothly into the next, creating a continuous flow that emphasizes the improvisational nature of the music.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

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

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
layered dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context: Fifth marks Soft Machine's fifth studio album and showcases a transitional phase following their previous release, Third. By 1972, the band was deep into their exploration of progressive jazz rock, having shifted from their early psychedelic roots, reflecting both artistic evolution and lineup changes that influenced their sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Can· King Crimson· Hatfield and the North

Tracklist

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

1 All White 6:01
2 Drop 7:49
3 M.C. 4:54
4 As If 8:23
5 L B O 1:33
6 Pigling Bland 4:24
7 Bone 3:30

What to play next

Listen next

Faces and Places Vol. 7

1972

Go back to

Fourth

1971

Full Soft Machine discography Artists like Soft Machine

jazz rock progressive rock psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata