Science Fiction
Ornette Coleman · 1972
37 min · 8 tracks · jazz
A fluid blend of avant-garde jazz and experimental textures that challenges conventional structures and rhythms.
Top tracks — play these first
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What Reason Could I Give Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Civilization Day — This track features a complex interplay between rhythm and melody, showcasing Coleman's distinctive style while addressing themes of modernity and urban life.
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Science Fiction — The title track encapsulates the album's adventurous spirit, with intricate harmonies and improvisational freedom that exemplify Coleman's innovative approach to jazz.
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Street Woman — With its dynamic shifts and emotive phrasing, this piece highlights Coleman's ability to convey storytelling through music, making it a standout representation of the album's thematic depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalInnovative structures and a unique sound make this album stand out in jazz, though it may challenge some listeners.
What we noticed
- Several pieces incorporate spoken word elements, adding an unconventional narrative layer to the instrumental compositions.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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9/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
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
- steady exploration of complex themes
- intriguing soundscapes for deep listening
- thought-provoking moments of abstraction
- engaging rhythmic variations throughout
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward song structures
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Experimental — Incorporates funk and electronic sounds, challenging Coleman's established jazz style.
- Career context
- By the time 'Science Fiction' was released in 1972, Ornette Coleman had already established himself as a pioneering figure in jazz with landmark albums like 'The Shape of Jazz to Come' (1959). This album marked a return after a period of relative quiet, showcasing his continued evolution and exploration of new musical frontiers, particularly in blending free jazz with more structured compositions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Albert Ayler· John Coltrane· Cecil Taylor
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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Civilization Day
The narrative shifts from collective observations of societal issues to intimate reflections on personal identity.
This transition from broader commentary to personal introspection emphasizes the duality present in Coleman's work, allowing listeners to engage with both social critique and individual experience.
Tracklist
- 1 What Reason Could I Give Start here 3:09
- 2 Civilization Day 6:07
- 3 Street Woman 4:53
- 4 Science Fiction 5:07
- 5 Rock the Clock 3:19
- 6 All My Life 3:58
- 7 Law Years 5:25
- 8 The Jungle Is a Skyscraper 5:26
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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