Going Off on One
The Tangent · 2007
143 min · 14 tracks · progressive rock
A sprawling journey through intricate melodies and complex rhythms, blending rock with jazz influences in a progressive tapestry.
Top tracks — play these first
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GPS Culture — Opening with an explorative narrative about modern society's obsession with technology, this track encapsulates the album's thematic richness and musical complexity.
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In Earnest — Clocking in at over twenty minutes, this piece showcases the band's ability to weave intricate instrumental passages with reflective lyrics, epitomizing progressive rock's spirit.
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21st Century Schizoid Man — A cover of King Crimson’s classic, this rendition highlights The Tangent's influence while paying homage to their roots; it serves as a bridge between eras of progressive music.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases intricate compositions and strong musicianship but lacks a fully cohesive flow.
What we noticed
- The album features several extended tracks, with 'In Darkest Dreams' split into two parts that together exceed 20 minutes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- sprawling journeys through intricate melodies
- patient exploration of complex rhythms
- immersive soundscapes for deep listening
- thoughtful reflections during quiet moments
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in 2007, Going Off on One is The Tangent's fourth studio album, following the critically acclaimed A Place in the Queue from 2006. This release solidified their reputation within the progressive rock genre as they continued to explore ambitious musical arrangements and lyrical depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Spock's Beard· Transatlantic· The Flower Kings
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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In Earnest
The shift from introspective personal reflections to broader societal critiques illustrates a growing disillusionment with contemporary life.
By juxtaposing personal narratives against global themes, the songwriting deepens the emotional impact, inviting listeners to engage with both individual and collective experiences.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
Disc 1
- 1 GPS Culture 10:23
- 2 The Winning Game 11:34
- 3 In Earnest 22:08
- 4 Forsaken Cathedrals 6:01
- 5 The Music That Died Alone 10:53
- 6 Lost in London 8:46
Disc 2
- 1 In Darkest Dreams, Part One 16:16
- 2 After Rubycon 4:30
- 3 In Darkest Dreams, Part Two 6:32
- 4 The World We Drive Through 13:26
- 5 Skipping the Distance 8:43
- 6 Fun With the Audience 3:20
- 7 21st Century Schizoid Man 11:25
- 8 America 8:59
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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