Is Miles in the Sky a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, Miles in the Sky is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A vibrant fusion of jazz and rock, blending intricate improvisations with electric instrumentation for a bold sonic exploration. Released in 1968, Miles in the Sky marked a significant transition for Miles Davis as he began embracing electric instruments, following the groundbreaking album Sorcerer. This was a pivotal moment in his career, reflecting his ongoing evolution in sound and style during the late 1960s as he moved towards jazz fusion.

Who is Miles in the Sky for?

Miles in the Sky works well if you're into expansive soundscapes to explore, gradual build towards climax and intricate layers rewarding patience.

How many songs are on Miles in the Sky?

Miles in the Sky has 6 tracks, running approximately 72 minutes.

Miles in the Sky

Miles Davis · 1968

72 min · 6 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of jazz and rock, blending intricate improvisations with electric instrumentation for a bold sonic exploration.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Stuff Start here — The extended jam showcases Davis's pioneering use of electric instruments while maintaining complex harmonic structures, embodying the album's innovative spirit.
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Paraphernalia — With its intricate arrangements and shifting rhythms, this track exemplifies the seamless blend of jazz and rock that defines much of Davis's later work.
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Country Son — This piece highlights the lyrical quality of Davis's trumpet playing against a backdrop of rich ensemble textures, illustrating his mastery of mood and atmosphere.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

71 /100

Alpine

Higher than 95% of albums we've rated

The album's innovative blend of modal jazz and electric instrumentation marks a significant step in jazz fusion's evolution.

What we noticed

The album features a prominent use of electric instruments, particularly the electric piano and guitar, which shift the texture away from traditional acoustic jazz.
Tracks like 'Stuff' and 'Paraphernalia' utilize modal structures that allow for extended improvisation, creating a fluid and exploratory sound.
The running time of each track varies significantly, with some pieces extending into longer improvisational sections that challenge conventional song forms.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

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.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

expansive soundscapes to explore
gradual build towards climax
intricate layers rewarding patience
immersive listening for focus
thoughtful ambiance for reflection

Maybe skip if you

seeking immediate gratification
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Marks a transition into jazz fusion, showcasing an evolving sound that diverges from earlier work.
Themes: electric experimentation· modal jazz evolution· avant-garde improvisation
Moods: Dreamy· Chill
Career context: Released in 1968, Miles in the Sky marked a significant transition for Miles Davis as he began embracing electric instruments, following the groundbreaking album Sorcerer. This was a pivotal moment in his career, reflecting his ongoing evolution in sound and style during the late 1960s as he moved towards jazz fusion.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter