What makes Remains to Be Heard by Aynsley Dunbar notable?

This album is significant for its blend of blues and rock influences that would later define the sound of the early '70s rock scene. While it did not achieve major commercial success, it has been noted for its impact on subsequent artists exploring similar genres, particularly within blues rock. Released in 1970, 'Remains to Be Heard' marked Aynsley Dunbar's solo debut following his tenure as a sought-after drummer for prominent bands like Journey and the Jefferson Airplane. At this point, Dunbar was transitioning from a revered session musician to establishing his own artistic identity in the rock landscape.

How many songs are on Remains to Be Heard?

Remains to Be Heard has 10 tracks, running approximately 44 minutes.

Remains to Be Heard

Aynsley Dunbar · 1970

44 min · 10 tracks · blues

A fusion of bluesy grooves and hard rock riffs that melds emotional lyricism with dynamic musicianship.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Blood on Your Wheels — This track stands out due to its driving rhythm and powerful guitar solos, embodying the gritty essence of early '70s rock while showcasing Dunbar's skill as both a songwriter and performer.
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Sleepy Town Sister — The song features a haunting melody paired with introspective lyrics, illustrating Dunbar's ability to convey deep emotions through music, making it one of the album's highlights.
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Invitation to a Lady — Opening the album, this track sets a tone with its smooth blend of rock and jazz elements, highlighting Dunbar's versatility and captivating vocal delivery.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

48 /100

Foothills

Higher than 19% of albums we've rated

The album blends blues and rock effectively but lacks standout compositions throughout.

What we noticed

The first track features a slow build with layered guitar riffs that gradually introduce the rhythm section, setting a bluesy tone.
Several tracks incorporate call-and-response vocal patterns, emphasizing the emotional delivery of the lyrics.

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: 6/10
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.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

Downhearted

The shift in perspective where the narration transitions from third person to directly addressing feelings of despair creates an intimate connection.

This structural choice emphasizes personal vulnerability, allowing listeners to engage more deeply with the emotional weight of the narrative.

Tracklist

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

1 Invitation to a Lady 4:04
2 Blood on Your Wheels 5:19
3 Downhearted 6:14
4 Whistlin’ Blues 2:56
5 Keep Your Hands Out 4:04
6 Sleepy Town Sister 4:18
7 Fortune City 4:06
8 Put Some Love on You 3:40
9 Bloody Souvenir 4:26
10 Toga 5:08

What to play next

Listen next

Blue Whale

1971

Go back to

The Aynsley Dunbar Retaliation

1968

Full Aynsley Dunbar discography Artists like Aynsley Dunbar

hard rock heavy metal jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata