What makes Magician's Hat by Bo Hansson notable?

Magician's Hat gained significant recognition within the progressive rock scene, particularly for its innovative use of instrumentation and atmospheric compositions. The album has since been influential among artists exploring similar narrative-driven instrumentals and has maintained a cult status, appreciated for its artistic ambition. Released in 1972, Magician's Hat is Bo Hansson's second album, following his debut record, Music Inspired by Lord of the Rings. At this point in his career, Hansson was solidifying his unique blend of progressive rock and instrumental music, drawing on literary influences to craft expansive soundscapes.

How many songs are on Magician's Hat?

Magician's Hat has 11 tracks, running approximately 42 minutes.

Magician's Hat

Bo Hansson · 1972

42 min · 11 tracks · rock music

Ethereal instrumental soundscapes weave through imaginative themes, blending rock with a dreamlike quality that invites introspection.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Big City (extended) — This track serves as an ambitious opener, establishing the album's thematic complexity with its lengthy exploration of evolving motifs and synthesizer harmonies.
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Divided Reality — The interplay of contrasting musical sections in this track encapsulates Hansson's ability to create tension and release within his compositions.
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Wandering Song — This piece showcases a more melodic approach, blending gentle melodies with vivid textures, representing the album’s contemplative spirit.
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The Sun (Parallell or 90°) — A pivotal moment on the album, this track features rich layering of instruments that culminates in a powerful crescendo, marking a high point in Hansson's sonic narrative.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

64 /100

Treeline

Higher than 79% of albums we've rated

The album blends progressive rock with atmospheric instrumentals, showcasing unique compositions and strong production.

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: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

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 Big City (extended) 11:28
2 Divided Reality 6:18
3 Elidor 1:35
4 Before the Rain 1:30
5 Fylke 1:52
6 Playing Downhill Into the Downs 1:45
7 Findhorn’s Song 1:36
8 Awakening 2:47
9 Wandering Song 3:16
10 The Sun (Parallell or 90°) 7:14
11 Excursion With Complications 3:29

What to play next

Listen next

Attic Thoughts

1975

Go back to

Music Inspired by Lord of the Rings

1970

Full Bo Hansson discography Artists like Bo Hansson

rock music

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata