Top tracks — play these first
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How Far Jerusalem — This track opens the album with a dramatic orchestral arrangement, setting the tone for the thematic depth that follows. Its blend of hard rock energy and poignant lyrics establishes Magnum's narrative style.
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On a Storyteller's Night — The title track encapsulates the essence of the album with its vivid storytelling and soaring melodies, reflecting on themes of memory and legacy. Its anthemic chorus makes it a standout in live performances.
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Les Morts Dansant — This song features haunting melodies paired with thought-provoking lyrics about mortality, highlighting Magnum's ability to weave complex themes into their music. The atmospheric instrumentation enhances its emotional weight.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album blends epic melodies with intricate instrumentation, solidifying its place in the melodic rock genre.
What we noticed
- The first three tracks feature soaring melodies and layered harmonies, establishing a grand tone that persists through the album.
- Several songs incorporate extended instrumental sections, allowing for intricate guitar solos that showcase technical skill.
- The album's title track features a dynamic shift in tempo midway, transitioning from a slow build to an anthemic chorus.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- 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
- epic narratives with rich themes
- dynamic waves of emotional intensity
- engaging storytelling through music
- reflective moments amid energetic peaks
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek instant gratification
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released in early 1985, On a Storyteller's Night marked Magnum's fourth studio album, coming after their breakthrough record, Vigilante. This album solidified their position in the melodic rock scene, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical depth as they sought broader recognition in the UK and beyond.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Tyketto· Threshold· Stratovarius
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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On a Storyteller's Night
The verses shift from nostalgic reflections to a present call to action, emphasizing the importance of sharing stories before they fade away.
This shift in focus underscores the urgency of storytelling as a means of preserving personal histories and cultural legacies.
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 How Far Jerusalem 6:26
- 2 Just Like an Arrow 3:22
- 3 On a Storyteller's Night 4:59
- 4 Before First Light 3:52
- 5 Les Morts Dansant 5:47
- 6 Endless Love 4:30
- 7 Two Hearts 4:24
- 8 Steal Your Heart 3:59
- 9 All England's Eyes 4:47
- 10 The Last Dance 3:43
- 11 Interview with Magnum 24:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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