What makes Last Exit by Traffic notable?

Last Exit is notable for its unique fusion of genres that exemplified the late 1960s musical experimentation. The album's ambitious structure and sonic explorations contributed to the progressive rock movement, influencing artists who would follow in its wake. Released in January 1969, Last Exit was Traffic's final studio album before their initial breakup. It followed the band's acclaimed self-titled debut and marked a transition into more experimental territory as they explored jazz influences amidst their established rock sound.

Who is Last Exit for?

Last Exit works well if you're into dynamic emotional journeys, long immersive listening sessions and gradual builds and payoffs.

How many songs are on Last Exit?

Last Exit has 7 tracks, running approximately 37 minutes.

Last Exit

Traffic · 1969

37 min · 7 tracks · jazz fusion

An eclectic blend of jazz fusion and psychedelic rock, infused with spontaneous improvisation and rich instrumentation.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Feelin’ Good — This track showcases Traffic's ability to blend intricate musicianship with emotive vocal delivery, creating a standout moment on the album.
→
Medicated Goo — With its groovy bassline and vibrant melody, this song encapsulates the band's knack for combining catchy hooks with a psychedelic vibe.
→
Just for You — The lengthy instrumental sections here highlight Traffic's improvisational skills, blending jazz elements seamlessly into their rock foundation.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's eclectic mix of jazz fusion and rock showcases strong improvisation but lacks cohesive flow.

What we noticed

The final two tracks introduce a more subdued atmosphere, contrasting with the energetic opening pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

dynamic emotional journeys
long immersive listening sessions
gradual builds and payoffs
atmospheric background focus

Where this album fits

Career context: Released in January 1969, Last Exit was Traffic's final studio album before their initial breakup. It followed the band's acclaimed self-titled debut and marked a transition into more experimental territory as they explored jazz influences amidst their established rock sound.
Stylistic neighbors: Steely Dan· King Crimson· Weather Report

Tracklist

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

1 Just for You 7:58
2 Shanghai Noodle Factory 2:12
3 Something’s Got a Hold of My Toe 3:02
4 Withering Tree 3:02
5 Medicated Goo 3:35
6 Feelin’ Good 10:43
7 Blind Man 7:14

What to play next

Listen next

John Barleycorn Must Die

1970

Go back to

Traffic

1968

Full Traffic discography Artists like Traffic

jazz fusion progressive rock psychedelic rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata