Lord of Lords cover

Lord of Lords

Alice Coltrane · 1973

42 min · 5 tracks · jazz

A cosmic blend of spiritual jazz and classical influences, weaving intricate melodies through ethereal soundscapes.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Andromeda’s Suffering — This track opens the album with a profound sense of cosmic exploration, blending improvisational jazz with meditative undertones that set the tone for the entire project.
  • →
    Lord of Lords — The title track showcases Coltrane's masterful use of harp and synthesizers, creating an expansive sound that embodies her spiritual journey and artistic vision.
  • →
    Sri Rama Ohnedaruth — In this track, traditional Indian musical elements intertwine with jazzy rhythms, reflecting Coltrane's deep reverence for spirituality while pushing the boundaries of jazz.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
73 /100
Alpine
Higher than 96% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and unique sound make it a standout in spiritual jazz.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended compositions, with each track averaging over six minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
  • The use of harp and synthesizers creates a layered texture that shifts throughout the tracks, enhancing the ethereal quality.
  • Improvisation plays a significant role, with musicians frequently diverging from established melodies to create spontaneous dialogues.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
9/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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

  • ethereal soundscapes for reflection
  • patient exploration of themes
  • immersive journey through sound
  • spiritual upliftment and tranquility

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking quick, energetic tracks
  • prefer straightforward song structures

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 1973, Lord of Lords is Alice Coltrane's fourth studio album, following her acclaimed record Universal Consciousness. At this point, she had established herself as a pioneering force in spiritual jazz, both as a solo artist and the widow of John Coltrane. This album reflects her deepening exploration of spirituality and her unique approach to blending jazz with Eastern influences.
Stylistic neighbors
Pharoah Sanders· Sun Ra· Don Cherry

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Andromeda’s Suffering 9:04
  • 2 Sri Rama Ohnedaruth 6:12
  • 3 Excerpts From the Firebird 5:43
  • 4 Lord of Lords 11:17
  • 5 Going Home 10:02

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata