Is On the Corner a good place to start with Miles Davis?

Yes, On the Corner is recommended as a starting point for new Miles Davis listeners. A vibrant fusion of funk rhythms and avant-garde jazz textures creates a hypnotic, urban soundscape that challenges traditional boundaries. By the time 'On the Corner' was released in 1972, Miles Davis had already established himself as a major force in jazz, having transitioned from the modal explorations of 'Kind of Blue' to the electric experimentation seen in 'Bitches Brew'. This album marked a departure into more radical sonic territory, reflecting Davis's desire to engage with contemporary urban culture and influences, positioning him at the forefront of jazz fusion.

Who is On the Corner for?

On the Corner works well if you're into hypnotic rhythms for deep focus, dynamic exploration of soundscapes and wave-like pacing with improvisation.

How many songs are on On the Corner?

On the Corner has 8 tracks, running approximately 54 minutes.

Released 54 years ago this October

On the Corner

Miles Davis · 1972

54 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A vibrant fusion of funk rhythms and avant-garde jazz textures creates a hypnotic, urban soundscape that challenges traditional boundaries.

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Top tracks — play these first

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On the Corner Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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Vote for Miles — This track encapsulates the album's political undertones and rhythmic complexity, showcasing the interplay between Davis's trumpet and the band's groove-driven backdrop.
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Black Satin — With its infectious bassline and layered instrumentation, this track exemplifies the seamless integration of funk elements into Davis's jazz vocabulary.
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Thinkin’ One Thing and Doin’ Another — The extended improvisational sections allow for a deep exploration of themes present throughout the album while highlighting the experimental spirit that defines this era of Davis's work.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental

75 /100

Alpine

Higher than 98% of albums we've rated

The album's hypnotic grooves and seamless transitions showcase innovative composition and strong craft.

What we noticed

The album features extended tracks that often blend into one another, creating a continuous flow rather than distinct songs.
Each piece employs repetitive motifs and layered instrumentation, emphasizing groove over traditional melody.
Improvisation plays a central role, with musicians frequently diverging from established themes to explore new sonic territories.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 8/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 9/10

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

hypnotic rhythms for deep focus
dynamic exploration of soundscapes
wave-like pacing with improvisation
urban energy for late-night drives

Maybe skip if you

seek immediate gratification
prefer concise, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a significant shift into electric jazz, polarizing listeners with its new sound.
Themes: electric jazz fusion· pulsating rhythms
Moods: Focus· Dreamy
Career context: By the time 'On the Corner' was released in 1972, Miles Davis had already established himself as a major force in jazz, having transitioned from the modal explorations of 'Kind of Blue' to the electric experimentation seen in 'Bitches Brew'. This album marked a departure into more radical sonic territory, reflecting Davis's desire to engage with contemporary urban culture and influences, positioning him at the forefront of jazz fusion.
Stylistic neighbors: John Coltrane· Herbie Hancock· Wayne Shorter