Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly cover

Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly

Maze · 1977

42 min · 7 tracks · rhythm and blues

A smooth blend of soulful melodies and rich instrumentation that encapsulates the essence of 1970s rhythm and blues.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Time Is on My Side — This opening track features a laid-back groove that sets the tone for the entire album, highlighting Frankie Beverly's soulful delivery against lush arrangements.
  • →
    Happy Feelin's — A defining hit for the group, this song embodies the joyful spirit of the album and remains a beloved classic in their repertoire.
  • →
    Color Blind — This track stands out with its introspective lyrics and harmonious instrumentation, reflecting on themes of love and acceptance that resonate deeply.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong compositions and smooth production typical of its era, establishing Maze's signature sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a cover of 'Time Is on My Side', which features a slow build-up with layered instrumentation that sets a smooth tone.
  • Each track maintains a consistent mid-tempo groove, with lush arrangements that include horns and strings, characteristic of 1970s R&B.
  • The vocal delivery is often call-and-response, with Frankie Beverly's voice weaving through the instrumentation rather than dominating it.
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
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Color Blind

    The moment shifts from personal reflections to a broader commentary on societal issues, employing vivid imagery to challenge preconceived notions.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Time Is on My Side 5:23
  • 2 Happy Feelin's 7:11
  • 3 Color Blind 3:25
  • 4 Lady of Magic 4:48
  • 5 While I'm Alone 4:36
  • 6 You 8:36
  • 7 Look at California 8:36

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata