Freedom At Midnight
David Benoit · 1987
46 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A smooth blend of jazz-funk grooves and lush melodies invite listeners into an atmospheric soundscape.
Top tracks — play these first
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Freedom at Midnight — The title track encapsulates the album's serene yet vibrant essence, blending intricate melodies with a lively rhythm that sets the tone for the entire project.
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Along the Milky Way — This track features ethereal synths and a gentle piano line that evoke a sense of cosmic wonder, showcasing Benoit's talent for creating atmospheric soundscapes.
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Passion Walk — With its rhythmic complexity and engaging interplay between instruments, this track highlights Benoit's skills as both a composer and performer, offering a deeper dive into his artistic vision.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album blends accessible melodies with smooth jazz elements, creating a pleasant but somewhat conventional sound.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a title track that features a prominent piano melody layered over a steady groove, setting a relaxed tone.
- Tracks often feature extended instrumental sections where the piano takes center stage, supported by smooth bass lines and soft percussion.
- Several tracks incorporate synthesized elements, adding an atmospheric quality that enhances the overall mood without overwhelming the instrumentation.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- 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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5/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 melodic exploration
- vibrant afternoon relaxation
- bright morning energy
- smooth transitions between tracks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking instant gratification
- prefer standalone singles
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 1987, Freedom At Midnight is David Benoit's fifth studio album, following his successful 1986 record, Every Step of the Way. At this point, Benoit was establishing himself as a prominent figure in contemporary jazz, gaining recognition for his innovative arrangements and fusion of styles.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bob James· David Sanborn· Chick Corea
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Freedom at Midnight 4:14
- 2 Along the Milky Way 4:08
- 3 Kei’s Song 4:39
- 4 The Man With the Panama Hat 4:18
- 5 Pieces of Time 3:16
- 6 Morning Sojourn 4:22
- 7 Tropical Breeze 4:43
- 8 Passion Walk 5:13
- 9 Del Sasser 6:03
- 10 The Last Goodbye 5:52
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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