Miles High
John Miles · 1981
44 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of rock and pop infused with jazz elements that showcase Miles' powerful vocals and melodic sensibilities.
Top tracks — play these first
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Out of the Cradle (But Still Rockin’) Start here — The opening track sets the tone for the album with an infectious energy and showcases Miles' vocal range and songwriting prowess, inviting listeners into his creative world.
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Don't Stop Now — This track features a catchy chorus and rhythmic drive, embodying the album's rock-pop fusion while demonstrating Miles' skill in crafting memorable melodies.
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One Step Closer to Paradise — This poignant ballad highlights Miles' lyrical depth and emotional delivery, making it a standout moment that resonates with themes of hope and longing.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends rock and jazz elements effectively but lacks standout compositions that elevate it significantly.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature a consistent upbeat tempo, while the fourth track introduces a slower groove that alters the album's momentum.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral arrangements, blending strings with rock instrumentation to create a rich sound texture.
- The album closes with 'Peaceful Waters,' which features a gradual fade-out, leaving a lingering sense of calm.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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5/10
- 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 energy levels
- dynamic emotional journeys
- mid-tempo reflective moments
- uplifting and motivational vibes
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — The album reached the Top 40 in the UK, enhancing Miles' recognition.
- Themes
- resilience in chaos· symphonic rock landscapes· reflective serenity
- Moods
- Introspective· Chill
- Career context
- Released in 1981, Miles High was John Miles' fifth studio album, following his previous success with the hit single 'Music.' At this point in his career, Miles was transitioning from a rising pop star into a more established artist, exploring new musical styles and deeper lyrical themes.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Supertramp· Yes· Electric Light Orchestra
Tracklist
- 1 Out of the Cradle (But Still Rockin’) Start here 3:50
- 2 Turn Yourself Loose 3:50
- 3 Don’t Stop Now 4:48
- 4 Don’t Want the Same Things 5:35
- 5 Reggae Man 5:13
- 6 Hold On 4:26
- 7 One Step Closer to Paradise 4:06
- 8 Foolin’ 4:31
- 9 Closer to You 4:45
- 10 Peaceful Waters 3:43
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Breakfast in America
Supertramp
Shares a blend of rock and pop with reflective lyrics and a symphonic approach to songwriting.
Aja
Steely Dan
Combines jazz-inflected melodies with sophisticated arrangements and introspective themes.
Out of the Blue
Electric Light Orchestra
Features lush orchestration and a fusion of rock and pop, exploring themes of resilience and wonder.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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