What makes Max Webster by Max Webster notable?

The album is significant for its role in paving the way for Canadian progressive rock, receiving favorable reviews and helping to establish Max Webster as a prominent act. Its energetic tracks contributed to a growing underground scene in Canada during the mid-1970s, influencing future artists in the genre. Max Webster's self-titled debut album arrived in 1976 as the band was establishing its identity in the Canadian rock scene. Following their formation in 1973, this release marked their entry into a competitive market, showcasing their unique sound that would come to define their career. It set the stage for their subsequent albums and collaborations.

How many songs are on Max Webster?

Max Webster has 9 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Released 50 years ago

Max Webster

Max Webster · 1976

36 min · 9 tracks · progressive rock

A vibrant blend of progressive rock and lyrical storytelling that captures the spirit of 1970s Canadian music.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Toronto Tontos — This track stands out with its catchy hooks and playful lyrics, encapsulating the band's whimsical approach while addressing urban life in Toronto.
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Lily — A standout closing piece that showcases intricate arrangements and reflective lyrics, illustrating the band's capacity for emotional depth within their progressive sound.
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Hangover — Opening the album with an infectious groove, this track perfectly embodies Max Webster's energetic style and sets an engaging tone for what's to come.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

51 /100

Foothills

Higher than 34% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong lyrical storytelling and progressive structures, marking its place in Canadian rock.

What we noticed

The album opens with a high-energy track, 'Hangover', which sets a lively tone that persists through the first half.
The lyrics often employ vivid imagery and storytelling, as seen in 'Summer Turning Blue' and 'Only Your Nose Knows'.
The final track, 'Lily', concludes with a gradual fade-out, creating a reflective end to the album.

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

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 Hangover 4:36
2 Here Among the Cats 3:04
3 Blowing the Blues 3:17
4 Summer Turning Blue 3:10
5 Toronto Tontos 3:41
6 Coming off the Moon 3:43
7 Only Your Nose Knows 4:21
8 Summer's Up 2:39
9 Lily 7:35

What to play next

Listen next

High Class in Borrowed Shoes

1977

Go back to

Live Magnetic Air

Full Max Webster discography Artists like Max Webster

progressive rock

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata