Fifth
Soft Machine · 1972
36 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock · psychedelic rock · jazz rock
A fluid tapestry of jazz rock and psychedelic textures that challenges musical boundaries with intricate compositions.
Why this album works
- Best for
- dynamic emotional journeys long immersive listening sessions gradual builds and payoffs
- Context
- By the time 'Fifth' was released in July 1972, Soft Machine was transitioning from their early experimental phase to a more structured jazz-rock sound. This album marked their fifth release and showcased a lineup that included key member Karl Jenkins, reflecting the band's continued evolution amidst shifts in personnel and musical direction.
- If you like
- progressive rock, psychedelic rock, jazz rock
Fifth is an album by Soft Machine, released in 1972. A fluid tapestry of jazz rock and psychedelic textures that challenges musical boundaries with intricate compositions. 'Fifth' is notable for its critical acclaim, often cited as a significant contribution to the Canterbury scene and progressive rock genre. The album's unique blend of jazz influences helped solidify Soft Machine's reputation, leading them to be influential in shaping the sound of many subsequent artists within the progressive rock movement. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Fifth sound like?
A fluid tapestry of jazz rock and psychedelic textures that challenges musical boundaries with intricate compositions. Rooted in progressive rock and psychedelic rock.
What makes Fifth by Soft Machine notable?
'Fifth' is notable for its critical acclaim, often cited as a significant contribution to the Canterbury scene and progressive rock genre. The album's unique blend of jazz influences helped solidify Soft Machine's reputation, leading them to be influential in shaping the sound of many subsequent artists within the progressive rock movement. By the time 'Fifth' was released in July 1972, Soft Machine was transitioning from their early experimental phase to a more structured jazz-rock sound. This album marked their fifth release and showcased a lineup that included key member Karl Jenkins, reflecting the band's continued evolution amidst shifts in personnel and musical direction.
Who is Fifth for?
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.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 All White Standout 6:01
- 2 Drop Standout 7:49
- 3 M.C. Standout 4:54
- 4 As If 8:23
- 5 L B O 1:33
- 6 Pigling Bland 4:24
- 7 Bone 3:30
Release Date
July 1, 1972
Artist Origin
United Kingdom
Runtime
36 min 35 sec
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