Powers of Ten cover

Powers of Ten

Shawn Lane · 1992

59 min · 11 tracks · instrumental rock

A vibrant fusion of intricate guitar work and dynamic instrumental landscapes that push the boundaries of rock music.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Get You Back — This track features a blend of melodic hooks and complex rhythms that effectively introduce Lane's unique style. Its upbeat tempo and catchy motifs make it a memorable entry point into the album.
  • →
    Piano Concertino: Transformation of Themes — This piece highlights Lane's ability to incorporate classical influences within a rock context, showcasing both his compositional skills and versatility as a musician. Its expansive structure offers listeners an immersive experience.
  • →
    Powers of Ten: Suite — The title track serves as the album's grand finale, weaving together intricate melodies and time signatures that exemplify Lane's technical brilliance. It stands out as a defining moment in the album, encapsulating its thematic depth.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
59 /100
Treeline
Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and diverse instrumentation but lacks a strong cohesive flow.

What we noticed

  • Several tracks incorporate varied instrumentation, including piano and synthesizers, creating a rich sonic landscape.
  • The running time of the album is just over an hour, with the longest track, 'Powers of Ten: Suite', serving as a central thematic piece.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
7/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

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.

Tracklist

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

  • 1 Get You Back 4:42
  • 2 West Side Boogie 4:40
  • 3 Not Again 3:52
  • 4 Esperanto 3:45
  • 5 Illusions 4:17
  • 6 Piano Concertino: Transformation of Themes 9:03
  • 7 Powers of Ten: Suite 13:02
  • 8 Paris 5:47
  • 9 Rules of the Game 3:58
  • 10 Gray Pianos Flying 3:08
  • 11 Epilogue (for Lisa) 2:45

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata