Parachute
The Pretty Things · 1970
62 min · 19 tracks · rhythm and blues
A kaleidoscopic blend of baroque pop and rhythm and blues that captures a whimsical yet introspective spirit.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
The Good Mr. Square — This track exemplifies the album's playful yet thoughtful nature, capturing the essence of the narrative-driven songs that define Parachute.
-
→
Cries From the Midnight Circus — With its haunting melody and vivid storytelling, this song stands out as a centerpiece of the album, showcasing the band's lyrical ambition and musical complexity.
-
→
Grass — This track embodies the album's exploration of themes like nostalgia and existential reflection, highlighted by its lush instrumentation and poignant lyrics.
-
→
Parachute — The title track encapsulates the album's overall vibe with its ethereal soundscapes and introspective lyrics, making it a fitting conclusion to this ambitious project.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious songwriting and eclectic arrangements while maintaining a cohesive concept.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a theatrical piece, 'Scene One', that sets a narrative tone, followed by tracks that blend whimsical melodies with introspective lyrics.
- The use of orchestral arrangements alongside traditional rock instruments adds a layer of complexity to the sound, particularly evident in 'Cries From the Midnight Circus'.
- The final track, 'Circus Mind', incorporates a gradual fade-out, leaving an impression of unresolved themes and inviting reflection.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
8/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
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
- whimsical storytelling with introspection
- short bursts of playful energy
- immersive late-night listening experience
- circular themes that invite reflection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, lengthy songs
- want high-energy party tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on June 1, 1970, Parachute marked The Pretty Things' fifth studio album during a time when they were transitioning from their early R&B roots to more experimental sounds. Following the psychedelic era of their previous album, S.F. Sorrow, this record showcases a matured approach to songwriting and arrangement.
- Stylistic neighbors
- The Rolling Stones· The Yardbirds· The Animals
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Scene One 1:50
- 2 The Good Mr. Square 1:26
- 3 She Was Tall, She Was High 1:35
- 4 In the Square 1:55
- 5 The Letter 1:38
- 6 Rain 2:28
- 7 Miss Fay Regrets 3:27
- 8 Cries From the Midnight Circus 6:28
- 9 Grass 4:20
- 10 Sickle Clowns 6:36
- 11 She's a Lover 3:32
- 12 What's the Use 1:45
- 13 Parachute 3:52
- 14 Blue Serge Blues 3:54
- 15 October 26 4:56
- 16 Cold Stone 3:11
- 17 Stone-Hearted Mama 3:29
- 18 Summer Time 4:28
- 19 Circus Mind 2:00
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.