Fourth
Soft Machine · 1971
39 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock
A kaleidoscopic blend of jazz-infused rock and progressive experimentation, weaving intricate melodies with fluid improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Teeth — Opening the album with a bold fusion of jazz rhythms and rock textures, 'Teeth' showcases the band's technical prowess and sets a compelling tone for the entire record.
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Virtually, Part 1 — This track introduces the multi-part composition of 'Virtually', highlighting Soft Machine’s ability to blend structured themes with improvisational freedom, an essential characteristic of their style.
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Kings and Queens — 'Kings and Queens' stands out with its melodic lines and explorative instrumentation that encapsulate the band's unique sound while maintaining accessibility for listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album's ambitious structure and fluid improvisation mark it as a significant entry in progressive rock.
What we noticed
- The album features a continuous suite in the 'Virtually' tracks, which are divided into four distinct parts that flow seamlessly into one another.
- Each track incorporates extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation that showcases the band's jazz influences.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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9/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- wave-like dynamics throughout listening
- intricate melodies for detail seekers
- experimental soundscapes invite exploration
- engaging progression demands focus
Maybe skip if you
- prefer instant gratification tracks
- seek traditional song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on February 28, 1971, 'Fourth' marked Soft Machine's fourth studio album, following their critically acclaimed 'Third'. By this time, the band was transitioning into a more avant-garde sound, moving away from their earlier psychedelic influences toward complex jazz rock arrangements, reflecting their evolution within the Canterbury scene.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Can· King Crimson· Hatfield and the North
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Teeth 9:12
- 2 Kings and Queens 5:00
- 3 Fletcher’s Blemish 4:34
- 4 Virtually, Part 1 5:17
- 5 Virtually, Part 2 7:06
- 6 Virtually, Part 3 4:31
- 7 Virtually, Part 4 3:20
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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