Free Will cover

Free Will

Gil Scott-Heron · 1972

60 min · 20 tracks · jazz

A poignant blend of spoken word and jazz-infused melodies that challenge societal norms and provoke thought.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • thought-provoking lyrical content
  • wave-like pacing and dynamics
  • introspective late-night listening
  • immersive storytelling experiences
  • varied emotional landscapes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1972, 'Free Will' was Gil Scott-Heron's third studio album, following the acclaimed 'Pieces of a Man'. This period marked Scott-Heron's rise as a prominent voice in the Black Arts Movement, using his lyrical prowess to address social injustices and personal experiences. By this time, he was establishing himself as a leading figure in combining music with political commentary.
Stylistic neighbors
Amiri Baraka· The Last Poets· Abbey Lincoln

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Free Will 3:42
  • 2 The Middle of Your Day 4:32
  • 3 The Get Out of the Ghetto Blues 5:11
  • 4 Speed Kills 3:18
  • 5 Did You Hear What They Said? 3:31
  • 6 The King Alfred Plan 2:54
  • 7 No Knock 2:10
  • 8 Wiggy 1:36
  • 9 Ain't No New Thing 4:31
  • 10 Billy Green Is Dead 2:15
  • 11 Sex Education: Ghetto Style 0:54
  • 12 And Then He Wrote 'Meditations' 3:33
  • 13 Free Will (alternate take) 3:02
  • 14 Speed Kills (alternate take) 3:25
  • 15 The King Alfred Plan (alternate take) 3:01
  • 16 No Knock (alternate take) 2:04
  • 17 Wiggy (alternate take) 1:35
  • 18 Ain't No New Thing (alternate take) 3:34
  • 19 Billy Green Is Dead (alternate take) 2:57
  • 20 Free Will (alternate take 2) 2:53

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata