Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
66 /100
Alpine
Higher than 89% of albums we've rated

McLean's innovative blend of hard bop and avant-garde elements creates a distinct sound that rewards repeated listens.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced track that features intricate saxophone lines, immediately establishing McLean's bold style.
  • Each of the four tracks showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing the musicians to explore themes rather than strictly adhering to written melodies.
  • The rhythm section frequently shifts dynamics, creating a sense of unpredictability that complements McLean's adventurous playing.
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
7/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
6/10

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Saturday And Sunday 10:30
  • 2 Saturday And Sunday alternate take 9:25
  • 3 Frankenstein 7:31
  • 4 Blue Rondo 4:52
  • 5 Ghost Town 14:35

Reference: MusicBrainz