Is Out of Reach a good place to start with Can?

Yes, Out of Reach is recommended as a starting point for new Can listeners. A surreal blend of experimental soundscapes and driving rhythms that transport listeners into a dreamlike state. Released in July 1978, Out of Reach was Can's final studio album featuring the core lineup before their gradual dissolution. It followed the critically acclaimed album, Flow Motion, and marked a significant shift in their sound towards more melodic and accessible structures, reflecting their evolving artistic direction.

Who is Out of Reach for?

Out of Reach works well if you're into meditative listening for contemplation, dynamic progression inviting exploration and wave-like pacing with resolution.

How many songs are on Out of Reach?

Out of Reach has 7 tracks, running approximately 36 minutes.

Out of Reach

Can · 1978

36 min · 7 tracks · progressive rock

A surreal blend of experimental soundscapes and driving rhythms that transport listeners into a dreamlike state.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Serpentine Start here — This track exemplifies the album’s dreamy yet rhythmic qualities, showcasing Can's ability to merge intricate instrumentation with ethereal vocals.
→
Pauper’s Daughter and I — With its haunting melodies and rich textures, this track highlights the band's transition towards more lyrical content while retaining their experimental roots.
→
November — A standout piece with an expansive length that allows for deep exploration of mood, blending ambient sounds with progressive elements characteristic of Can's unique style.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

63 /100

Foothills

Higher than 29% of albums we've rated

The album's experimental approach and varied structures create a unique listening experience within its genre.

What we noticed

The album opens with a track that features a repetitive, hypnotic rhythm layered with abstract sound effects, setting a surreal tone.
The final two tracks slow down the tempo significantly, creating an introspective atmosphere that contrasts with the earlier pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 4/10

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

meditative listening for contemplation
dynamic progression inviting exploration
wave-like pacing with resolution
ethereal vocals for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

prefer straightforward song structures
need constant high energy

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a deliberate departure from Can's earlier avant-garde style.
Themes: Krautrock soundscapes· driving percussion· ethereal vocals
Career context: Released in July 1978, Out of Reach was Can's final studio album featuring the core lineup before their gradual dissolution. It followed the critically acclaimed album, Flow Motion, and marked a significant shift in their sound towards more melodic and accessible structures, reflecting their evolving artistic direction.
Stylistic neighbors: Neu!· Faust· Amon Düül II