What makes Illicit by Tribal Tech notable?

Illicit received critical acclaim for its complex arrangements and technical proficiency, contributing to the band’s influence on the progressive rock scene during the early '90s. The album's innovative sound helped bridge jazz fusion and rock, inspiring subsequent artists within these genres. Released in 1992, Illicit was Tribal Tech's fourth studio album, solidifying their reputation within the progressive rock genre. The band, led by guitarist Scott Henderson and bassist Gary Willis, was navigating a peak period of creative output after their previous three albums established a loyal following.

How many songs are on Illicit?

Illicit has 10 tracks, running approximately 63 minutes.

Illicit

Tribal Tech · 1992

63 min · 10 tracks · progressive rock

A fusion of intricate jazz rhythms and progressive rock textures, showcasing virtuoso musicianship and adventurous compositions.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Big Wave — Opening with dynamic shifts in tempo and tone, this track sets the stage for the album's exploration of rhythm and melody, highlighting the band's improvisational prowess.
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Black Cherry — This track features intricate guitar solos intertwined with rhythmic complexities, showcasing Scott Henderson's signature style and elevating the album's jazz-rock fusion.
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Riot — With its frenetic pace and energetic interplay between instruments, Riot exemplifies Tribal Tech's ability to blend technical skill with engaging musical narratives.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

67 /100

Alpine

Higher than 91% of albums we've rated

Intricate compositions and strong musicianship define this progressive rock album, appealing to genre enthusiasts.

What we noticed

Each track varies in tempo and mood, with some pieces maintaining a high energy while others explore more subdued themes.
Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for improvisation and interaction between the band members.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 7/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

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

1 The Big Wave 6:31
2 Stoopid 5:47
3 Black Cherry 6:42
4 Torque 6:02
5 Slidin’ Into Charlisa 7:32
6 Root Food 8:13
7 Riot 6:58
8 Paha Sapa 3:24
9 Babylon 5:26
10 Aftermath 7:03

What to play next

Listen next

Face First

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Tribal Tech

1991

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progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata