Love and Other Obsessions
Spyro Gyra · 1995
60 min · 12 tracks · jazz
An engaging blend of smooth melodies and intricate rhythms that showcases Spyro Gyra's signature jazz fusion style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Lost and Found — This opening track sets the tone with its vibrant melodies and catchy hooks, encapsulating the album's overall feel of optimism and exploration.
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On Liberty Road (For South Africa) — This politically charged piece combines intricate instrumentation with poignant themes, showcasing the band's ability to weave social commentary into their music.
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Group Therapy — A standout for its dynamic interplay between musicians, this track highlights Spyro Gyra's collaborative spirit and improvisational prowess, making it a memorable listen.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases strong melodic writing and skilled performances, but its appeal may be limited to jazz enthusiasts.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and dynamics.
- Several tracks incorporate intricate rhythmic patterns, particularly in the percussion, which adds complexity to the smooth melodies.
- The album closes with a track that features an extended improvisational section, allowing for exploration beyond the structured compositions.
- 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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6/10
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
- steady, consistent melodic journey
- long, immersive listening sessions
- contemplative afternoon relaxation
- dynamic emotional transitions
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Solidified Spyro Gyra's place in smooth jazz with commercial success.
- Themes
- South African freedom· optimistic exploration· musical collaboration
- Career context
- By the time 'Love and Other Obsessions' was released in 1995, Spyro Gyra had already established themselves as a prominent act in the contemporary jazz scene, following their breakthrough album 'Morning Dance' from 1979. This album marked a continuation of their exploration into jazz fusion and pop influences, reflecting their evolution over nearly two decades.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· Pat Metheny· Weather Report
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Lost and Found 5:09
- 2 Ariana 5:07
- 3 Serengeti 4:54
- 4 Fine Time to Explain 4:40
- 5 Third Street 4:48
- 6 Group Therapy 5:44
- 7 Horizon's Edge 5:01
- 8 Let's Say Goodbye 4:32
- 9 On Liberty Road (For South Africa) 5:52
- 10 Rockin' a Heart Place 5:23
- 11 Baby Dreams 4:43
- 12 Open Season 4:27
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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