Looking On cover

Looking On

The Move · 1970

43 min · 7 tracks · psychedelic rock

Psychedelic rock intertwines with experimental textures, creating a vibrant soundscape that defies conventional song structures.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Looking On — The title track blends complex arrangements with soaring melodies, showcasing the band's bold experimentation and lyrical depth that defines the album's essence.
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    Turkish Tram Conductor Blues — This track exemplifies The Move's playful yet intricate storytelling style, merging whimsical lyrics with an engaging musical backdrop that captures the album's eclectic spirit.
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    Brontosaurus — With its heavy riff and energetic pace, this song stands out as an anthem of youthful exuberance, marking a key moment in The Move's artistic evolution.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

58 /100
Treeline
Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album showcases ambitious compositions and innovative production, making it a notable entry in psychedelic rock.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate unconventional instrumentation, such as strings and brass, which add layers of texture to the psychedelic sound.
  • The song 'Brontosaurus' stands out with its heavy guitar riffs and driving rhythm, contrasting with the more experimental pieces on the album.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

  • vibrant soundscapes that surprise
  • patient exploration of ideas
  • dynamic shifts in mood
  • lyrical storytelling with depth

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • seek quick, catchy tunes

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in December 1970, Looking On was The Move's third studio album and marked a significant transition for the band as they embraced a more adventurous sound. This period followed their commercial success with earlier hits like 'Blackberry Way', positioning them at the forefront of the UK psychedelic scene while also setting the stage for their eventual evolution into Electric Light Orchestra.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Looking On 7:48
  • 2 Turkish Tram Conductor Blues 4:38
  • 3 What? 6:42
  • 4 When Alice Comes Back to the Farm 3:40
  • 5 Open Up Said the World at the Door 7:10
  • 6 Brontosaurus 4:25
  • 7 Feel Too Good 9:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata